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Viktor Hovland Says He Feels More in Control at Augusta Than Ever Before

Originally posted on DailyClubGolf | By Abhishek Sharma | Last updated Apr 9, 2026 6:05 PM ET

Viktor Hovland has arrived at Augusta with a new level of confidence. After a year of swing changes and inconsistent results, the Norwegian star feels more in control of his game than ever before as he chases his first green jacket.

The talented Norwegian golfer focuses on his development as he seeks the elusive victory in the prestigious tournament.

The golfer, who struggled the previous year due to technical ups and downs, arrived in Augusta on Wednesday to prove he could perform well on this course and become more confident with his golf clubs.

“I feel quite good,” Hovland shared before the start of the first round. At Augusta, Hovland feels that his ball-striking skills have progressed more than before, “I do feel like I’ve gotten a lot better around the greens out here. I know where to miss it.”

This newfound confidence comes after a difficult period of “one step forward, two steps back” as Hovland tried to improve his swing techniques. At Augusta National, he noted that seeing the results of all his hard work pays off and gives him great encouragement.

“Now, this place out here will make you feel uncomfortable… but it’s cool to see that I’m able to step up on some of these tee shots,” Hovland commented.

Mastering the Learning Curve

As Hovland noted at Augusta before, he continues studying the nuances of the course’s complex design. It is clear to him that external factors play a crucial role in determining how well the track performs day to day.

“You always pick up on some stuff. If the conditions are a little bit different, you know, some of the shots changes along with that.” This flexibility becomes a key component when coping with the legendary setup.

It is worth noting that his improved short-game skills have been a primary weapon in recent months. The young golfer is not afraid to tackle the complicated downhill lies that Augusta is known for.

“If I have a certain shot, I’m not too terrified of it. I feel confident that I’m going to be able to pull the shot off,” Hovland explained. This mental breakthrough has allowed him to be more confident with all the shots in his arsenal.

By making small improvements, Hovland has simplified the game for himself at the first major of the season. This newfound confidence shows that he is ready to handle the intense pressure of the last few rounds.

Now, the Norwegian golfer is betting on his momentum to carry him through the four-day competition. With his technical tweaks finally paying off, it remains to be seen if he can come through.

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

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