“The Biggest Present on Grass” might be minus two of the best present gamers on this planet.
Viktor Hovland withdrew from the WM Phoenix Open on Monday following a T58 on the AT&T Pebble Seaside Professional-Am, beating solely 14 gamers within the restricted area occasion. The fourth-ranked participant on this planet opened with a 69 final Thursday, however then struggled to consecutive 72s earlier than the event was shortened to 54 holes as a consequence of climate.
It was Hovland’s first begin since opening 2024 with a T22 at The Sentry, the season’s first signature occasion that additionally featured a restricted area.
Hovland was adopted just a few hours later by fifth-ranked Xander Schauffele, who’s coming off a T-54 at Pebble Seaside. That was his first end outdoors the top-10 in 4 begins this yr.
Hovland’s withdrawal from the Phoenix Open created a spot for Victor Perez, with Alexander Bjork additionally entering into the sphere after Schauffele pulling out. World No. 54 Thorbjorn Oleson additionally withdrew and was changed by Jorge Campillo. Sami Valimaki is now the primary alternate.
The event begins Thursday at TPC Scottsdale and nonetheless consists of an elite area that’s led by two-time defending champion and World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. He’s scheduled to be joined by No. 6 Wyndham Clark, No. 8 Max Homa, No. 9 Matt Fitzpatrick and No. 10 Brian Harman.
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Different marquee names within the area embrace Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Sam Burns and Rickie Fowler, together with former main champions Hideki Matsuyama and Adam Scott.
Hovland’s withdrawal naturally sparked embers on simmering rumors of a possible transfer to LIV Golf. Tyrrell Hatton pulled out forward of Pebble Seaside earlier than becoming a member of Jon Rahm’s group that went on to win LIV’s first occasion of the season in Mexico on Sunday.
The Norwegian has repeatedly denied a possible transfer to LIV, saying as not too long ago as December that he doubted that may be a future consideration regardless of additionally criticizing the PGA Tour’s management.
“I don’t suppose their product is that nice. I’m not such a fan of, for instance, taking part in with no minimize,” Hovland stated in Norwegian as translated by Eurosport Norway throughout an look on the “Fore” podcast. “You want the competitors with 150 gamers and a minimize. When you don’t play properly sufficient, you’re out. There’s something about it that makes your sport a little bit sharper. If I had gone to LIV, I don’t suppose I’d have change into a greater golfer. After which it’s, in a approach, finish of debate.”
Hovland has dedicated to the third signature occasion of the yr on the Genesis Invitational at Riviera subsequent week.