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Why isn’t Viktor Hovland playing at the 2024 Charles Schwab Challenge?

The decision comes as little surprise after the PGA Tour confirmed the Norwegian’s absence from the 2024 Charles Schwab Challenge.

Clare Grant

Joe Brennan

Born in Leeds, Joe finished his Spanish degree in 2018 before becoming an English teacher to football (soccer) players and managers, as well as collaborating with various football media outlets in English and Spanish. He joined AS in 2022 and covers both the men’s and women’s game across Europe and beyond.

Update: May 20th, 2024 14:21 EDT

“Viktor Hovland WD from the Charles Schwab Challenge” came the official announcement from the PGA Tour Communications team on May 20. The news of the Norwegian dropping out may not have come as a huge surprise but the reason behind his absence is still unclear.

Rumours are about that fatigue is the reason behind his withdrawal after Hovland came up short in his bid to win a first major title at Valhalla Golf Club last Sunday. He three-putted the final green, meaning he finished solo third at the second men’s major of the year, with that closing bogey meaning he was unable to clinch victory.

Viktor Hovland WD from the Charles Schwab Challenge; Wesley Bryan in
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) May 19, 2024

Why is Viktor Hovland not playing at the Charles Schwab Challenge?

“I was almost considering pulling out of this event because I wasn’t playing good at all,” Hovland admitted to SiriusXM’s Jason Sobel on Saturday. “Overall, I thought things didn’t feel very good, and when they don’t feel good, it’s like, ‘What’s the point of playing?’”

He called in swing coach Joe Mayo during a late practice session to review his swing as he worked at it at Valhalla. “He knows my swing really well,” Hovland said of Mayo. It seems then, that Hovland just can’t find his form and the reason behind it is most likely fatigue.

Who will replace Viktor Hovland at the Charles Schwab Challenge?

The PGA Tour announced that Wesley Bryan would be taking the place of Hovland for the upcoming event. The 34-year-old American joined the tour in 2016 and has 1 win to his name.

When does the Charles Schwab Challenge start?

The action gets underway on May 23 at Colonial Country Club located in Fort Worth Texas, and ends on May 26.

"I was almost considering pulling out of this event."

Good thing he didn't! After a 5-under 66 on Saturday, Viktor Hovland is just two shots back of the leaders at the PGA Championship entering the final round.@JasonSobelGolf | @PGAChampionship pic.twitter.com/TdDiAcGTKu
— SiriusXM PGA Championship Radio (@SiriusXMPGATOUR) May 19, 2024

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Prior to this setback, Hovland was hot on everyone’s mind, winning back-to-back FedEx Cup events to claim the trophy before featuring for Team Europe at the Ryder Cup.

The Charles Schwab is not the first time he’s not played due to not feeling right: the 26-year-old also withdrew from the WM Phoenix Open after being dissatisfied with his play at the Genesis Invitational in February.