Golf fans have been eagerly awaiting the 2023 U.S. Open Championship at Los Angeles Country Club. One of the players garnering the most attention this week is Norway’s Viktor Hovland, who is seeking to break through and win his first major title.
The 25-year-old began making headlines this summer by finishing runner-up to Brooks Koepka at the PGA Championship, becoming the first-ever Norwegian to finish that high in a major. Since then, he’s won The Memorial Tournament, beating world-class players like Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler. He is now looking to make further statements by taking home his first major trophy in one of the season’s most demanding tournaments.
Rising Star on the Green
Hovland’s track record at major championships in the past year has been nothing short of excellent and is a reason why he is among the favorites in the golf betting odds. Not only did he finish runner-up at this year’s PGA Championship, but he finished T4 at the Open Championship and T7 at the Masters. His
With his exquisite ball-striking abilities and excellence on and around the greens, Hovland is going into the tournament in high spirits after an incredible win at The Memorial less than two weeks ago. He managed to get into a playoff after shooting a 33 on the back nine and being the only player in the field to birdie the difficult par-4 17th. He caught Denny McCarthy and then beat him in a playoff. That kind of confidence will be a significant factor as he tries to navigate the undulating greens at Los Angeles Country Club.
Eye on the Prize
The 2023 U.S. Open presents a golden opportunity for Hovland, as it could be the moment he makes history by becoming the first Norwegian to win a major championship. He has worked relentlessly to improve his game from last summer when he was tied for the lead going into the final round of The Open Championship with Rory McIlroy. Hovland struggled, watching contenders pass him and shot a final day 74, the only player in the top-14 to shoot the last round over par. He fared much better at this year’s PGA Championship, pulling to within a shot of Koepka late on the back nine before he fell off down the final couple of holes.
Hovland’s consistency and relentless drive have earned him much-deserved recognition and respect from fans and other golfers alike. He ranks seventh on the PGA Tour in scoring average and has risen to No. 5 in the world. The U.S. Open is one of the most challenging tournaments in golf, with its high rough, unforgiving bent grass greens and long holes, which require precise ball-striking skills, something that suits Hovland’s game.
Other Favorites for the U.S. Open
Hovland goes into this week’s championship with as good of a chance as anyone, given his recent form and the experience he has piled up over the last year. But there are other great players he will have to beat out to capture that first Grand Slam title.
Many eyes will be on Koepka, who is always a threat in a big tournament. Koepka is seeking his sixth major title and third U.S. Open. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is another popular pick, having finished in the top-5 in each of his last four tournaments, including a shared runner-up with Hovland at The PGA Championship. Scheffler also won the Players Championship in March.
Max Homa and Patrick Cantlay hope their local knowledge will come in handy, both from just outside Los Angeles. Many like Jordan Spieth’s chances since this course presents a lot of similarities to Chambers Bay, the U.S. Open course Spieth won on in 2015. And while Jon Rahm isn’t from California, you wouldn’t know it from looking at his track record; he’s won nine times in the state, including just down the road this year at Riviera Country Club, plus the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines in San Diego in 2021.
Conclusion
It’s no surprise that golf fans worldwide have been eagerly anticipating the U.S. Open Championship, and with Viktor Hovland looking to make history by becoming the first Norwegian to win a Grand Slam title and beat out some of the world’s greats – this tournament is sure to be one to watch! His impressive performance throughout the past year has definitely earned him a spot among this year’s top contenders for this tournament.
