Hovland shot 10 birdies – including seven across the last nine holes – to card an unprecedented nine-under 61 and edge Fitzpatrick and world No.
It means Hovland will tee off two shots behind Scheffler, who was left to rue yet another strong performance that ultimately reaped no silverware.
With six runner-up finishes across his last two PGA Tour seasons, only Cameron Young has finished second as often, though Scheffler’s six wins during that period undoubtedly soften the blow.
Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire/Getty ImagesRory McIlroy finished three shots behind Fitzpatrick and Scheffler in fourth after also shooting 66.
Paired with Hovland for the final round, the Northern Irishman had a front row seat to a historic showing.
Persons:
Matt Fitzpatrick, Viktor Hovland, stupefied, Hovland, Fitzpatrick, Scottie Scheffler, –, ” Hovland, Dylan Buell, Scheffler, Cameron Young, Michael Reaves, ”, “ Viktor, Hovland’s, “, ” Fitzpatrick, Joe Robbins, Rory McIlroy, Viktor, ” McIlroy
Organizations:
CNN, Olympia Fields Country Club, BMW, PGA, Sky Sports, Torrey, Getty, Oklahoma State University, Europe’s Ryder, East, FedEx, American, Northern, Ryder
Locations:
Olympia, Norwegian, Illinois, Torrey Pines, East Lake, Atlanta