PGA TOUR
Hero World Challenge
Hovland The Conqueror at Hero World Challenge
Norway’s Viktor Hovland outplayed many of golf’s best players to win the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. The 24-year-old star rallied from six shots back to overcome the likes of Collin Morikawa, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth and Xander Schauffele to name some.
Hovland fired a final round 6-under 66 to reach 18-under at the unoffical PGA Tour 'holiday event' hosted by Tiger Woods. The stunning score included back-to-back eagles at holes 14 and 15. The win adds to an impressive year for the Norwegian who represented Europe at The Ryder Cup. Hovland won the BMW International Open in June before claiming victory at the World Wide Technology Championship at Mayakoba in November.
America’s Scottie Scheffler again hinted he is close to sealing his maiden PGA Tour title. The 25-year-old shot a final round 6-under 66 to get to 17-under and finish one shot behind Hovland in outright second place.
Fellow Americans Sam Burns and Patrick Reed took a share of third place at 15-under. Both players closed with a final round 3-under 69.
Justin Thomas and Collin Morikawa finished at 14-under and in a share of fifth place after dramatic final rounds that saw the pair post scores of 12 shots apart. Thomas produced the best round on Sunday carding a sensational 8-under 64 to vault up the leaderboard. Morikawa posted the equal worst final round score of 4-over 76. Morikawa started the final round with a five shot lead. His pursuit of victory derailed with two double bogeys within the opening six holes. If he won, Morikawa would have become the game’s 25th world No. 1. He would have become just the fourth player to reach No. 1 in the world before turning 25—joining Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth.
There were no Australians in the field at Albany Golf Club.
Final Scores
Hero World Challenge
1. Viktor Hovland -18
2. Scottie Scheffler -17
T3. Sam Burns -15
T3. Patrick Reed -15
T5. Justin Thomas -14
T5. Collin Morikawa -14
Photo credit: Keyur Khamar/PGA TOUR via Getty Images
