Viktor Hovland’s 2025 season has taken an unexpected turn, with both a bizarre toe injury and a coaching split shaping his early-year headlines. The Norwegian star fractured his left toe in an unfortunate collision with the edge of his bed, a freak accident that sidelined him temporarily. But perhaps the bigger shake-up came with his decision to part ways with longtime swing coach Joe Mayo—again.
Hovland explained his reasoning in a recent interview, saying, “We disagreed a bit about the way forward. I’ve learned so much now and have the competence to do this on my own.” While it’s a bold move, his former coach didn’t take it personally. In a podcast discussion, Mayo credited Hovland’s natural talent for their past success, stating, “Victor had it, he just didn’t know where it was… but he had it.”
I usually do airport delay Q&A but starting a new tradition. Runner Up airport Q&A!
— Michael S. Kim (@Mike_kim714) February 10, 2025
Meanwhile, Mayo hasn’t missed a beat. His work with Michael Kim at the WM Phoenix Open paid off, as Kim, who missed the cut last year, finished T2 with a 17-under performance. When asked about Mayo’s influence, Kim simply said, “Really good. Felt easy enough.”
So, was Hovland right to take full control of his game? At just 27, with six career victories in 116 appearances, he has proven his ability to adapt and evolve. But golf history shows that even the best players often rely on trusted coaching to maintain an edge. If Hovland struggles in the coming months, the debate over his decision will only intensify.