Viktor Hovland climbed two places to lead the World Points List after his best finish in a Major to date at the US PGA Championship.
Rounds of 68-67-70-68 saw Hovland finish two strokes behind eventual champion, Brooks Koepka, with a double-bogey from a plugged lie in the face of a fairway bunker on the 16th ultimately proving costly.
The Norwegian, who also climbed 27 places on the European Points List to 15th, believes a maiden Major title is not far away, having also recorded a top ten finish at the Masters Tournament in April, and with the U.S. Open approaching next month.
“It sucks right now, but it is really cool to see that things are going the right direction. If I just keep taking care of my business and just keep working on what I've been doing, I think we're going to get one of these soon.” Hovland said.
"That was my second time (playing in the last group) and I’ve been in contention for three of these. That's pretty cool. There's another one coming up pretty soon."
Other European Ryder Cup hopefuls enjoyed productive weeks at Oak Hill. Rory McIlroy finished tied for seventh at two under after closing out the weekend with scores of 69-69. McIlroy continues to occupy second position on the European Points List.
It was also a solid week for Austria’s Sepp Straka who shot a closing 65 to finish alongside McIlroy.
Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald was also in the field and Straka said: "I’ve known Luke for a little while now and he’s a great guy. I’m not thinking about it (the Ryder Cup) while I’m playing but definitely think about it as a goal.”
Justin Rose enjoyed a top 10 finish at one under par with Shane Lowry and Victor Perez level par and Tyrrell Hatton, finishing at one over, all in the top 15.
As it stands Jon Rahm (2910.53), McIlroy (2354.2) and Perez (1427.58) sit in the three automatic qualifying spots on the European Points List, with Hovland (173.88), Hatton (155.66) and Matt Fitzpatrick (128.47) in the top three positions on the World Points List.
The 2023 Ryder Cup will take place between Sept. 25 – Oct. 1 at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, Rome, Italy.
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