Jerry Reed, the musician, wrote “When You’re Hot You’re Hot” in 1971. This was 26 years before Viktor Hovland’s birth, but it’s possible he had him in mind.
Hovland continued his hot streak this week, as he combined with former Oklahoma State golfer Ian Davis to win the 2023 Oak Tree National Pro Scratch Invitational at Edmond in Oklahoma.
Hovland, Davis and Zach Bauchou needed to play two extra holes at Oak Tree National on Friday to beat Conrad Walcher and Hovland’s former Cowboy teammates and roommates Zach Bauchou.
Hovland has won four consecutive tournaments – the BMW Championship, Tour Championship, Ryder Cup, as part of Team Europe earlier this month and now the Friday playoff thanks to Davis’ 15-foot curling putt. Hovland has earned $33.5 million this year, including the FedEx Cup, and he received $12,500 as the top prize for his home state.
When asked by Ken MacLeod of Golf Oklahoma where this golf course ranks, Hovland jokingly replied, “Way, way up there.”
Hovland shot a 2-under-69 on Thursday, trailing by three shots. However, they carded four birds on the front nine on Friday in the strong winds and cold conditions (Hovland was bundled in a Ryder Cup hat) and added two more birdies on their back nine for a 65. This is the lowest round of the event.
Robert Streb, Danny Mitchell and Taylor Moore finished in third and fourth place respectively at Oak Tree National. The U.S. Senior Open is set to be held at Oak Tree National.
Hovland will be making his next start at the Hero World Challenge which starts on Nov. 30. Who is the two-time defending winner of the Bahamas event? Hovland.
