CREATE DIFFERENT CHIPS FROM ONE SWING
“I mostly play low chip shots, but on tour you need to elevate the ball, too. My basic chip setup is with the ball in the centre of my stance and my hands slightly ahead of it ( middle photo, left ). To chip it higher or lower, I don’t change where my hands are or what I do during the swing – all I do is change my ball position. For a shot that flies lower and runs out, I play the ball just in front of my back foot ( far left ). For a higher shot, I play the ball off my instep and open the face (near left). Then I’m free to pick my landing spot and let feel take over.” WHAT DOES VIKTOR SPEND HIS MONEY ON? He’s amassed $70 million in career winnings BEFORE endorsements, but you won’t find him rocking seven-digit watches, cruising Monaco in rare cars or eating out at expensive restaurants. Hovland has humble tastes and expounded on his simple lifestyle at Royal Portrush during this year’s Open. Asked about his spending habits, Hovland revealed his most recent splurges, and let’s just say they’re extremely on brand. Hovland has pop star money (OK, maybe not Taylor Swift money, but you get the point) and three notable purchases in 2025 were a nice grill (“to grill some steak”), a Ninja blender (“it cuts it up pretty nicely!”) and a buddies trip to Marbella. “I try to spend money on things that are fun, like activities,” Hovland explained. “But in terms of things, there’s not that many things to buy.” Speak for yourself, Viktor. We don’t all have Ping endorsements. Hovland’s perspective is refreshing and reflects a broader mindset shift among golf’s up-and-coming stars. While many members of golf’s old guard chased massive paydays in recent years, often at the detriment of their careers and reputations, golf’s younger generation pursue contentment beyond the bottom line. Even World No 1 Scottie Scheffler spoke candidly about the fallacy of success on the PGA Tour. Make no mistake, money is important and nice things are nice, but sometimes all you need is a couple of good steaks over a braai with your friends.
GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA 61
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025
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