Viktor Hovland has withdrawn from the Memorial Tournament, his first withdrawal of 2026, just after missing the cut at the PGA Championship 2026.
This move is surprising given his history at the tournament, where he won in 2023, beating Denny McCarthy in the playoffs and taking home $3,600,000.
What happened?
The Norwegian star pulled out of the tournament without revealing any reason, leaving fans wondering about the cause of his withdrawal.
The Memorial Tournament, hosted by Jack Nicklaus, is a signature event with a $20 million purse, taking place at Muirfield Village Golf Club.
Viktor Hovland had previously won the tournament in 2023, and his withdrawal is a significant setback for his 2026 campaign.
Why it matters for Viktor Hovland
Hovland's withdrawal could be due to his nagging neck pain, which he has been suffering since 2025, or he might be resting for the US Open.
He had withdrawn from the 2025 Travelers Championship after playing just two holes of the final round and had the same issue during the 2025 Ryder Cup Sunday Singles.
What comes next?
Viktor Hovland will tee up at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club for the 2026 US Open from June 18 to 21, where he finished 3rd in 2025 at Oakmont.
He has also committed to the FedEx Open de France 2026, scheduled from September 24 to 27 at Le Golf National.
And despite his recent setbacks, Hovland remains a strong contender, having finished 3rd at the PGA Championship in 2024.
But his 2026 campaign has been marked by inconsistency, with only one top-10 finish at the WM Phoenix Open.
So far, he has missed the cut in 2 of the 11 starts he has had, including the Valspar Championship and the PGA Championship.
The 7x PGA Tour winner will look to bounce back at the US Open, where he will face stiff competition from other top golfers.
With his experience and skill, Viktor Hovland is still a force to be reckoned with in the golf world.