Viktor Hovland Catches Fire, Blows Past Justin Thomas for Valspar Championship
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Savannah Leigh Richardson is a Newsweek contributor based in Georgia. Her focus is golf and social media. Savannah has been with Newsweek since February 2025 and previously worked at SB Nation and Fansided. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia. You can get in touch with Savannah by emailing s.richardson@newsweek.com or following her on X @SportsGirlSL.
Savannah Leigh Richardson
Contributing Sports Writer
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Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Viktor Hovland earned his seventh PGA Tour win at The Valspar Championship when he signed for a 4-under 67 to finish at 11-under overall.
He defeated Justin Thomas by one shot as they battled it out down the stretch.
At one point, Thomas held a three-shot lead on the back nine but could not hold onto it as he made two bogeys in his last three holes.
Meanwhile, Hovland made birdies at 14, 16 and 17 to take the lead. He needed a five on the par-4 18th to win, and that is what he did.
PALM HARBOR, FLORIDA – MARCH 23: Viktor Hovland of Norway walks from the 18th green during the final round of the Valspar Championship 2025 at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club on March 23, 2025 in… PALM HARBOR, FLORIDA – MARCH 23: Viktor Hovland of Norway walks from the 18th green during the final round of the Valspar Championship 2025 at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club on March 23, 2025 in Palm Harbor, Florida.
Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images
Hovland has not played well this year. There have been spurts of solid golf, but more often than not, he struggles.
He missed the cut in his last three starts, including last week at The PLAYERS Championship, after he shot an 80 on Thursday.
The former Oklahoma State Cowboy did not play his best golf at Innisbrook Resort this week, but it was enough.
Hovland struggles with the flat stick at times, but this week, it came through for him. He was No. 2 in strokes gained, putting at +7.349.
“I did not believe I could do it this week,” Hovland said to Kira K. Dixon after the round.
Hovland still does not feel 100% in his game, but he finished on top in Tampa to claim the victory.
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