LIV Golf have reportedly put Viktor Hovland at the top of their wish list in another big-money move that could cause further Ryder Cup issues. Two members of Europe’s winning team have already joined the Saudi Arabia-backed tour rival in Jon Rahm and Tyrell Hatton, while a third exit would prompt further questions for the European Tour Group.
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The Guardian claim that Hovland is atop the breakaway league’s priorities for their next star as Greg Norman is keen to add another huge name. Next year is set to feature more LIV Golf events and recruitment of players from the PGA and DP World Tours, though a move for Hovland may significantly disrupt Team Europe’s preparations.
World No. 6 Hovland missed the cut at the Masters and withdrew from the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage event after having a huge meltdown in Augusta when he threw his ball into the water following a disastrous attempt on the 15th.
The Norwegian star has previously denied that he was on the verge of signing for LIV, but had been critical of PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan at this year’s Players Championship.
“There were some things that were said that have been walked back on and then things have been very contradictory,” Hovland said. “As a leader of an organisation, I will want a person like that to take some ownership and say, hey, we made a couple of mistakes, but this is how we’re going to rectify it, instead of kind of sweeping it under the rug, which I felt like has been done to a certain degree.”
Hovland is said to be one of several players disappointed with the framework agreement reached between tours last summer and has already admitted that he misses playing with defectors such as Rahm and Hatton.
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“I wouldn’t say I’m like super social out here, I kind of show up and do my thing,” he said last month. “But I certainly miss a lot of those guys that we had some great memories from Whistling Straits and in Rome, so certainly miss those guys, but wish them the best and hopefully I’ll get to see them soon.”
Hovland’s potential exit would increase the need for a simpler Ryder Cup Europe qualification process for those on the Saudi circuit. Both Rahm and Hatton have retained their DP World Tour memberships, which are crucial for Ryder Cup participation, but face fines and suspensions for competing in LIV events.
Those sanctions could hamper their Ryder Cup chances moving forward and while Hovland is currently a PGA Tour and DP World Tour member, but captain Luke Donald could be fretting over some of his key stars with punishments hanging over their heads regarding qualification for 2025 in New York.
