Viktor Hovland. © Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Viktor Hovland shares sad injury update after withdrawing from Travelers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dibyendu Mondal | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 6:52 PM ET

Two holes into the final round of the Travelers Championship, rising PGA Tour star Viktor Hovland was forced to withdraw due to a sudden neck injury.

The Norwegian had been in strong form, shooting a 63 on Saturday, and was tied for 14th heading into Sunday’s round at TPC River Highlands.

Hovland described the injury in detail post-withdrawal, recalling that he felt a minor twinge while warming up on the range. “Hit one shot and then felt a little bit in my neck, but it didn’t … felt fine,” he told reporters on Sunday.

However, as he took his next driver swing just minutes before his tee time, he heard and felt his neck “crack.” “I don’t know exactly what happened … but just couldn’t move,” Hovland added.

Despite a quick attempt at treatment — “someone looked at it … five minutes before I was on the tee” — there was simply not enough time to properly address the issue.

He managed to complete two holes, parring the first and bogeying the second, before conceding, explaining: “I tried to play, but it just wasn’t doable … could hardly stand over the ball and move my neck. Couldn’t really do anything.”

‍♂️ #INJURY — After posting a sizzling 63 on Saturday, Viktor Hovland has WD from the Travelers Championship during round 4 with a neck injury. @InjuryReportPGA @TrackingHovland pic.twitter.com/k202AUFwdB
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) June 22, 2025

Hovland’s withdrawal was the latest in a series of unfortunate exits at Travelers, including Jordan Spieth (shoulder), Si Woo Kim (back) and Eric Cole (illness).

Hovland faces an uncertain recovery timeline. Treatments such as rest, physiotherapy or imaging scans will be essential in determining next steps.

As the PGA Tour approaches the summer season, the golf world will be watching closely to see how quickly he can return to full strength.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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