Holes-in-one on a par-4 are a rarity, and while Viktor Hovland didn’t quite manage that in Thursday’s practice round, he did the next best thing and got a hole-in-three.
Playing the drivable fifth hole, Hovland’s tee-shot was right on line, and with the pin hidden over a bunker, he thought nothing of it as he turned towards his caddie, but initial sounds of excitement quickly turned to thunderous roars making their way back from greenside and Matt Fitzpatrick leaped onto Hovland’s back to celebrate.
🚨 VIKTOR HOVLAND MAKES A HOLE-IN-ONE ON A PAR 4! #TeamEurope pic.twitter.com/OnsEG19UC6
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 28, 2023
But Rory McIlroy, playing in the group in front, would prove something of a party-pooper. Upon hearing the roars, they turned back towards the tee and Captain Luke Donald got the information on the earpiece to inform them what had happened and who had made it happen.
‘Hovland,’ was the answer, but unfortunately, as Rory would inform the bystanders, it was his second ball.
Viktor Hovland just holed his tee shot on the short par-4 5th… the reaction on 6th tee. 🤩 #rydercup #teameurope pic.twitter.com/MdbaTNZY11
— Today’s Golfer (@TheTodaysGolfer) September 28, 2023
We’re still not quite sure what happened to Viktor’s first and if the reload was purely for practice purposes, but he’s got his distance now dialed in, that much we know for certain.
Still, the US side will be more than happy to see Europe using up incredible shots like these before friendly fire ceases and the real business matches get underway.
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