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Viktor Hovland posts steady round in first start since Ryder Cup neck injury

Originally posted on HITC | By Antony Martin | Last updated Oct 16, 2025 9:56 AM ET

Viktor Hovland made his first appearance on the DP World Tour since missing the Sunday singles at the Ryder Cup due to injury.

The Norwegian was forced to withdraw from the singles matches with a neck problem, and he later described the situation as ‘pretty upsetting’.

Although Europe still won by two points, meaning his absence didn’t change the outcome, it was still a difficult situation for him to be in. The half-point Europe received due to Hovland’s withdrawal wasn’t necessary in the end, as they held on for a 14.5–13.5 win.

Even before play began at Bethpage Black, Hovland had spoken about potential rule changes in his pre-tournament media duties.

A few days later, he found himself at the centre of controversy after being unable to play on Saturday afternoon and again on Sunday.

How Viktor Hovland got on during first round since Ryder Cup neck injury

US Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley has called for changes to the envelope rule following Hovland’s absence from the singles, which resulted in a half point being awarded.

There were suggestions from some American fans that Luke Donald may have advised Hovland to sit out Sunday rather than take a risk.

Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images

But anyone familiar with Hovland’s competitive nature knows that if he’d had even a 50% chance of playing, he would have taken it.

Hovland returned at the DP World India Championship and put together a steady opening round.

He carded a one-under-par 71, made up of two birdies, one bogey and 15 pars. The task now will be to find a few more birdie opportunities heading into the second round.

How Rory McIlroy and Ben Griffin played in the DP World India Championship

Rory McIlroy and Ben Griffin were grouped with Hovland at Delhi Golf Club on Thursday. McIlroy carded a three-under 69, though he’ll be disappointed with a bogey on the par-five eighth, his 17th hole of the round.

Griffin’s day was more eventful, featuring five birdies, an eagle, and three bogeys for a four-under 68. The trio will be back out together on Friday, aiming to close the gap on early leader Keita Nakajima, who sits at seven under at the time of writing.

Delhi Golf Club is tight off the tee but does offer scoring chances. Hovland will need to take advantage if he wants to put himself in contention heading into the weekend.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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