Viktor Hovland’s 2025 season got off to a rocky start after a surprising left toe fracture, courtesy of an ugly “run-in” with the edge of his bed. As if that wasn’t enough of a curveball, the Norwegian golfer also parted ways with his swing coach, Joe Mayo, again. After years of working together, Hovland felt it was time to take the reins on his own. “We disagreed a bit about the way forward,” Hovland said in one of his interviews. “I’ve learned so much now and have the competence to do this on my own.” But after the shift, last weekend ended up turning out great for Mayo.
Joe Mayo was training Michael Kim for the WM Phoenix Open, and well, the outcome has been successful indeed. The South Korean professional missed the cut at the WM Phoenix Open last year. But this year, under the guidance of Mayo, he carded all rounds of 60s, finishing with a 17-under, at T2, just seven strokes behind Thomas Detry.
As Michael Kim settled down at the airport on his way back, he did his regular sessions of Q&A on X. But instead of the usual delay-inspired Q&A, he decided to make it a Q&A commemorating the success. One of the fans, congratulating him, tweeted, “Mike, congrats on a great week. Thoughts on your lesson with Joe Mayo? Are you thinking much about your mechanics in competition when you’re still ingraining something new?”
Kim, who was struggling to even make the cut this season, came out victorious after his stint with coach Mayo. A T2 was not a bad finish at all for him, considering his earlier form. Responding to the question, he said, “Really good. Felt easy enough”. Seems like one man’s loss is indeed another’s gain.
I usually do airport delay Q&A but starting a new tradition. Runner Up airport Q&A!
— Michael S. Kim (@Mike_kim714) February 10, 2025
It is good to see Joe Mayo receiving his due credit. After all, no matter how dire the situation, the coach has never failed to compliment and hone in the skills of the golfers he has trained. And while the two may have parted ways, Hovland’s case with Mayo is no different!
Joe Mayo shares how immensely talented Viktor Hovland is
Despite the highs and lows, Joe Mayo has never failed to praise Viktor Hovland’s exceptional talent. He even shared his reflections on their time working together. In a recent podcast, Mayo discussed his time working with Viktor Hovland. What he had to say was certainly unexpected. “I owe Viktor Hovland a debt of gratitude… he took me places that I could have never taken myself,” Mayo stated.
He was quick to highlight that it was Hovland’s incredible talent that truly fueled their success, with Mayo simply along for the ride. “Victor had it, he just didn’t know where it was… but he had it,” Mayo explained, shaking his head in awe of Hovland’s natural ability. Well, this was indeed a new turn of events in the golf world. “It’s the player, it’s the athlete, it always has been and it always will be,” Mayo said with a shrug.
Well, people do believe him. While he might be running a little low in his career, let’s not forget that the 27 YO has bagged six career victories in just 116 appearances! Do you think Hovland will be able to make a comeback soon without a coach? Let us know in the comments section below!
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