Viktor Hovland appears to have put the latest round of LIV Golf rumours to rest by confirming his participation at the Genesis Invitational this week.
The Ryder Cup star skipped the WM Phoenix Open last week to spark speculation that he would become the latest PGA Tour star to join Saudi-backed LIV Golf, following Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton.
But PGA Tour fans appear to have nothing to worry about at the moment as the Norwegian is set to compete with Tiger Woods and the rest of golf’s best at the prestigious Genesis.
Hovland’s sudden withdrawal from the Phoenix Open came as a surprise to many and could have been the start of something more sinister, especially after Hatton pulled the same stunt ahead of AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am.
However, he will instead join Woods, Rory McIlroy and plenty of other star names at Riviera.
The Genesis is one of the biggest events on the PGA Tour, with a total prize pot of $20million up for grabs, and Hovland should be right in the mix as talkSPORT 2 brings fans live commentary of the whole thing.
However, he hasn’t enjoyed the best start to his season, failing to get in contention at The Sentry Tournament of Champions before slumping to a poor display at Pebble Beach.
This poor form is a world away from how he played last year.
But with him now playing in this event, it doesn’t appear as if this lack of form has anything to do with the ongoing LIV rumours.
The 26-year-old has previously criticised LIV Golf and its format, suggesting that he has no interest in the breakaway group.
Speaking to Eurosport Norway in December 2023, he said: “I don’t think their product is that great. I’m not such a fan of, for example, playing without a cut.
“You need the competition with 150 players and a cut. If you don’t play well enough, you’re out. There is something about it that makes your game a little sharper.
“If I had gone to LIV, I don’t think I would have become a better golfer. And then it is, in a way, end of discussion.”
So Hovland’s decision to commit to the Genesis appears to be good news for all PGA Tour fans.
News Summary:
- Viktor Hovland snubs LIV Golf rumours again and is now set to star alongside Tiger Woods at the Genesis Invitational
- Check all news and articles from the latest Golf updates.