Viktor Hovland Extends Swing Search After Shaky French Open

Viktor Hovland finished tied for 33rd at last week's French Open, the latest stop in a season-long search for the ball-striking consistency that carried him to victories the past two years. Hovland isn't chasing a new swing — he's chasing the one he already had, and three results since August suggest he hasn't found it yet.

How has Hovland played since the Tour Championship?

Hovland was runner-up at the Tour Championship in August, leading into the final round at East Lake before a 2-over 72 let Scottie Scheffler pass him for the title. After taking several weeks off, he returned at the BMW PGA Championship and tied for 27th at Wentworth. Last week in France, he called his tee-to-green play "pretty shocking."

What is Hovland trying to fix?

Hovland has won at least once in each of the past two PGA Tour seasons, leaning on a hot putter and a knack for competing down the stretch. He has said that combination isn't the game he wants back — he's after the ball-striking form of his earlier career, which he says no longer looks or produces the same numbers.

"I would like to push that closer to my DNA," Hovland said of his offseason plans, framing the choice ahead as small swing adjustments versus a more sweeping rebuild.