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Viktor Hovland: 2021 FedEx Cup Contender or Pretender?

By Tim Letcher

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MEXICO - DECEMBER 04: Viktor Hovland of Norway plays his shot from the sixth tee during the second round of the Mayakoba Golf Classic at El Camaleón Golf Club on December 04, 2020 in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MEXICO - DECEMBER 04: Viktor Hovland of Norway plays his shot from the sixth tee during the second round of the Mayakoba Golf Classic at El Camaleón Golf Club on December 04, 2020 in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) /
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At just 23 years of age, Viktor Hovland has already won twice on the PGA Tour. Can he make a run at the 2021 FedEx Cup or is it too soon?

With the 2020 portion of the PGA Tour schedule in the books, we at Pro Golf Now will be taking a look at the current top 50, and some selected others, in the current FedEx Cup standings and whether they are contenders or pretenders for the 2021 FedEx Cup. Our latest subject is the current No. 3, Viktor Hovland.

Best career FedEx Cup finish: Hovland just completed his rookie season on the PGA Tour. And an impressive rookie campaign it was. He earned his first tour win, at the Puerto Rico Open and went on to make it to East Lake and the Tour Championship. He would finish 20th in the postseason standings.

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So far this season: Hovland has made five starts so far this season, making the cut in each of the events in which he has played. And he has made the most of his opportunities.

Hovland started his season at the U.S. Open, where he played well with the exception of one round. He opened with a 71 on Thursday and followed that with another 71 on Friday. Hovland had a very solid round of 70 on Saturday, which tied him for eighth place through 54 holes. But a 75 on Sunday dropped him back to a tie for 13th place.

After a couple of weeks off, Hovland next played at the CJ Cup at Shadow Creek. He opened with a tough round of 75 but was able to bounce back with a 66 on Friday. Hovland shot 69 on Saturday and 70 on Sunday to finish in a tie for 12th place.

Hovland played again the followed week in the Zozo Championship at Sherwood Country Club. He opened with a 71 there but followed that with a magical 64 on Friday. However, he could not carry the momentum into the weekend, shooting 71 on Saturday and 72 on Sunday. That left him in a tie for 47th place.

With two events left, Hovland set out to make the most of them. And he did.

Hovland was solid, and consistent, at the Houston Open. He shot 70-69-68-68 to finish in a tie for 15th place.

In his final start of the season, Hovland stepped up big time. Playing the Mayakoba Golf Classic, Hovland shot 67 in the first round, followed by a 69 on Friday. He came back with a 63 on Saturday to climb into third place and firmly in contention.

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On Sunday, Hovland converted a birdie putt on the 72nd hole to top Aaron Wise by one shot and earn his second PGA Tour win. At just 23 years of age.

The verdict: Hovland has a world of talent and a FedEx Cup is not out of the realm of possibility for him someday. It could even be this year, if the cards fall right. Let’s call him a contender for the 2021 FedEx Cup.

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