OAKMONT, Pa. — Viktor Hovland encountered a rocky start in the third round of the U.S. Open when his first drive sailed far right into the bushes, leaving him with no favorable plays. Accepting a penalty stroke, he positioned himself on a muddy cart path before navigating through the sparse trees of Oakmont for a bogey.
Hovland concluded Saturday with an even-par 70, trailing leader Sam Burns by three shots as they approached the final round. The 27-year-old from Norway is eyeing his first major title this week, but the consistency of his driver remains a concern.
“I’m a bit frustrated with my driver. It’s a battle I’ve had for years,” Hovland admitted. His initial shot veered sharply into the bushes bordering the course. “I aimed left, trying for a squeeze cut, but got caught up, hit off the heel, and the club face was open. It was a disaster.”
Even after taking a drop, the former Oklahoma State talent had to thread his shot between trees. Although the ball clipped one slightly, it still found the green, allowing him to minimize the setback.
After another bogey at the third hole, Hovland’s skill was showcased at the ninth. A well-struck 7-iron bounced off the flagstick, demonstrating his prowess from the fairway. He capitalized with birdies on both the ninth and tenth holes. A tee shot mishap on the 17th put his ball in the rough, but he executed a precise pitch over bunkers followed by a successful 3-foot birdie putt.
“That second shot had to come out precisely or a bogey was imminent,” he reflected.
However, Hovland’s round concluded as it began, with another errant drive to the right. This time he landed in a bunker on the 18th, resulting in a bogey, slipping him to 1 under for the tournament. By day’s end, he stood in fourth place behind Sam Burns, Adam Scott, and J.J. Spaun.
“When you notice your shots drifting right, it can lead to overcompensation,” he explained. “That often creates worse outcomes and it’s a difficult cycle to break.”
Post-round, Hovland returned to the range, attempting to remedy his driving woes. Despite the driver issues, he remains optimistic, acknowledging that improving in this area could provide a strategic edge.
“I’m just a few shots off the lead, so I’m still in contention. If you’d told me at the start of the week that I’d have a chance to win on Sunday, even being three shots behind, I’d be thrilled,” he said. “A lot can unfold out here.”