Every golfer wants a victory lap up the 18th fairway and on to the green, no matter the tournament.
When it’s the Tour Championship and the FedEx Cup will be in your hands once the ball finds the bottom of the cup, it’s even sweeter.
That’s the feeling Viktor Hovland had after getting birdies on 16 and 17 to hold a five-stroke lead over his final-pair mate Xander Schauffele.
Viktor Hovland of Norway plays his shot from the third tee during the final round of the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club on August 27, 2023, in Atlanta. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Hovland made it three straight birdies to finish his final round at 7-under to win the Tour Championship and the FedEx Cup, becoming the third-youngest player in PGA Tour history to do so.
It was Hovland’s second straight victory after securing the BMW Championship trophy last week. This was a staggered scoring event as he started this past week’s tournament at 8-under and shot an impressive 19-under after his four rounds at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta.
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The financial incentives for winning these last two weeks brings Hovland’s grand total to a whopping $21.6 million, which includes an $18 million bonus for winning the FedEx Cup.
Hovland, the 25-year-old from Norway, spoke about how hard these playoffs have been despite all the success he’s feeling.
Viktor Hovland of Norway celebrates winning on the 18th green during the final round of the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club on August 27, 2023, in Atlanta. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
“Obviously, it’s maybe not a marathon, but it feels more like a sprint,” Hovland said via ESPN. “Obviously, it’s a marathon getting into this week. But it’s hard to win the FedEx Cup if you haven’t played well the last few weeks. It’s just a great list of names that’s won the tournament.”
Hovland’s journey to this point in his golf career has been a joy to watch for many.
He didn’t start golf until 11 years old, which is unlike many of his peers on tour. But he took to the game quickly, and after years of showcasing talent and relentless work ethic, Hovland is now a FedEx Cup champion.
“The list of names that’s been on that trophy is pretty special,” Hovland said.
Viktor Hovland of Norway celebrates with the FedEx Cup after winning the final round of the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club on August 27, 2023, in Atlanta. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Among them was Jordan Spieth, who was the youngest player to win the FedEx Cup in 2015.
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