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Ryder Cup 2023: Viktor Hovland aces a par-4 in practice

Look out, America: Europe's Viktor Hovland is already on fire

jay busbee
Senior writer
·1 min read
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ROME, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 28: Viktor Hovland of Team Europe throws a ball into the crowd following a hole-in-one on the fifth hole during a practice round prior to the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf Club on September 28, 2023 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Viktor Hovland of Team Europe throws a ball into the crowd following a hole-in-one on the fifth hole during a practice round prior to the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf Club on September 28, 2023 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

The Ryder Cup hasn't even begun, and Europe's already got the momentum. During a practice round Thursday, Europe's Viktor Hovland stepped up to the 375-yard par-4 5th hole, and unleashed a drive that would be back-breaking if he'd done it in competition:

A hole-in-one on a par 4! Now that's how you throw down some pre-tournament intimidation.

Hovland will be a key weapon for Europe in its quest to reclaim the Cup. Although he struggled in his debut appearance in 2021, going 0-3-2, he's since become one of the best players in the world. He's No. 4 in the World Golf Rankings, finished strong at all four majors and won the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup.

The Ryder Cup begins at 1:35 a.m. ET on Friday morning. Hovland and Ludvig Aberg will be playing in the second foursomes match of the morning, challenging Brian Harman and Max Homa of the United States. The Americans have not won a Ryder Cup in Europe in 30 years.