Viktor Hovland's Ball Striking: Height and Trigger
With a 7-iron in hand, Viktor Hovland answers questions from the audience: how he gained about 10 mph in ball speed, how he adjusts his ball flight, and what small movement initiates his swing.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
To gain speed, Viktor Hovland spent a year doing specialized training, extended his driver and accelerated his backswing: more momentum backward requires greater force in the opposite direction. His ball speed reportedly increased from about 169 to 178 mph, which, according to him, translates to an additional 20 to 25 yards of carry. But he cautions: 10 more yards are useless if the ball veers off course. For drop the ball, he pulls it back a little and leans further to the left: his arms follow, the shaft tilts, and there’s little loft left. To to put it together, he stays centered but doesn't follow through with the ball: he leans forward and stays slightly behind it, so that his hands release earlier. A ball hit further forward also goes a little more to the left.
Sound trigger: He pushes the grip down and forward, which increases the pressure on his left foot, and uses that pressure as a springboard to turn. He doesn’t try to move to the right—the rotation takes him there. He wants a swing driven by his body, with his arms “launched” by the rotation. As for tempo, he doesn’t think about it: sound technique makes even bad shots playable, and timing improves on its own.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- At address, put a little more weight on your left foot.
- Start your swing by pushing the grip slightly down and forward.
- Use this pressure as a springboard to turn, without sliding to the right.
- For a low shot, move the ball back a little and position your upper body slightly to the left at impact.
- For a high ball, move the ball forward slightly, stay a little behind it, and let go of the ball earlier.
- Aim a little further to the right when the ball is far ahead: it tends to veer to the left.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Seek distance at the cost of balls going out of play.
- Swipe right instead of turning.
- A swing driven by the arms rather than the body.
- Follow the ball with your upper body when you want to hit it high.
- Focus on tempo rather than the quality of technique.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Drill 7: Alternate between a low ball and a high ball, changing only the ball position and your upper body position
- Repeat the trigger—grip down, left foot pressure—before each shot
- Watch the direction the ball is heading when it is played forward
- Judging the series based on the quality of its low blows
Your Questions
How did Viktor Hovland gain speed?
Through a year of speed training, a slightly longer driver, and a faster backswing. He cites an increase in ball speed from about 169 to 178 mph.
How does he adjust the height using the same iron?
Hold the ball slightly behind you and lean your upper body to the left to lower it; hold the ball slightly in front of you, with your body centered, extending forward and staying behind it to raise it.
What triggers his swing?
He pushes the grip down and forward, which shifts his weight to his left foot. He uses that pressure as a springboard to initiate the rotation.
Should you work on your tempo?
Hovland says he has never worried about it. He prefers a technique that makes bad shots playable; timing comes later with practice.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Viktor Hovland). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.