PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. — Viktor Hovland’s approach to golf training at the Genesis Invitational on Thursday featured an unconventional resistance band after recently using pool floaties at the WM Phoenix Open. These inventive aids help him fine-tune his swing and body motion as he competes at Riviera Country Club, revealing his willingness to experiment to improve his game.
Though both tools serve a similar purpose in adjusting his mechanics, the resistance band offered Hovland a more tangible feel to carry onto the course following his opening-round 69, which positioned him tied for twelfth place. His method of using distinct training aids shows his dedication to addressing specific aspects of his swing.
Hovland Explains the Benefits of His Training Devices
Hovland described how the resistance band helped him better connect a physical sensation from practice to actual play.
“I feel like that actually made it easier for me to find something tangible that I could take out on the golf course,”
he said after a morning range session captured by PGA Tour Live cameras.
Reflecting on his recent use of unusual aids, he noted:
“Last week, water wings. This week, the band. Next week? Who knows?”
The floaties were designed to force spacing in his downswing, which Hovland acknowledged was difficult to feel without their presence.
“Trying to just get a little bit wider in the downswing, not trying to pull my arms as close to me,”
he added.
However, when transitioning to the band, he noted a clear difference:
“But the band, it forces your body to push against the tension and then when you take it away, it’s like wow, that’s what it’s supposed to feel like. We’re not quite all there yet even though this is a great round of golf, but that was a huge step in the right direction.”
Progress and Persistence Define Hovland’s Season
Though Hovland currently lives in a state of constant adjustment, his persistence is evident. Following his PGA Tour victory at the Valspar Championship last year, he admitted he did not expect to win under those conditions and often hit poor shots despite success. His continual tinkering highlights his commitment to improvement.
Good iron play continued into Riviera, where he ranked seventh in strokes gained tee-to-green with a notable 2.4 strokes over the field, building on his strong performance at the WM Phoenix Open where he gained over four strokes on approach and finished tied for tenth. While results at Pebble Beach were disappointing, Hovland struck his irons well there as well.
Driver Game Sees Improvement Amid Early Season Struggles
One particularly encouraging development for Hovland on Thursday was his better ball-striking off the tee, an area that had troubled him during his two earlier starts this season.
“It was a lot better than it has been the past few months I’d say just in terms of just ball-striking off the tee was really good with my driver,”
he commented.
He added that, despite feeling his putting was off, his short game compensated for any shortcomings, summing up his round positively:
“Hit a lot of fairways, hit a decent amount of greens and gave myself a lot of looks. Didn’t feel like the putter was quite there today, but my short game made up for some misses and yeah, overall, or all in all a very good day.”
Advantages Ahead with Delayed Play and Later Tee Time
Hovland sits four strokes behind leader Aaron Rai, who had reached six under par before play was suspended due to darkness Thursday. The rain delay and Hovland’s later tee time on Friday offer him additional valuable practice opportunities and rest compared to competitors forced to resume early and play consecutive rounds.
This timing gives Hovland flexibility to continue experimenting with his training, whether that includes floaties, resistance bands, or just time on the range. His adaptability and readiness to embrace unusual methods underscore his restless drive to find edge improvements in a competitive field.
Last week, water wings.
This week, the band.
Next week? Who knows?
Viktor Hovland is getting dialed for @TheGenesisInv as Viktor Hovland does.
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— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 19, 2026
