PHOENIX – PGA Tour star Viktor Hovland, one of the game’s brightest young talents with six wins on global tours to his credit, has renewed his multi-year equipment contract with PING, President John K. Solheim announced today.
“Viktor is a great fit for the PING brand. He’s an elite player and one of the most likeable and engaging personalities on tour. He’s fun to watch, and golf fans have really connected with him,” Solheim said. “When we signed him right out of college, we knew he was a special player. The connection to Norway and our relationship with Oklahoma State over the years made it a no-brainer for us to add him to the PING team. He’s quickly proven himself to be one of the best players in the world in less than three years as a professional. We’re very excited to extend our relationship with Viktor.”
Hovland, 24, has three PGA Tour titles (plus one unofficial win, the Hero World Challenge), and two victories on the DP World Tour. He won in back-to-back appearances last fall, then won at Dubai in January to give him three victories in five starts. He’s currently 8th in the Official World Golf Ranking. He’s the first Norwegian to win on the PGA and DP World tours, the first to compete in the Ryder Cup, to win the U.S. Amateur, and to play at the Masters.
A native of Oslo, Hovland shares a special connection to PING Founder Karsten Solheim, who was born in Bergen, Norway. The country’s national flag has a place on Hovland’s PING Tour Staff bag.
Talking about his new agreement, Hovland expressed his excitement and appreciation for his relationship with the family-owned company.
“Since turning professional and joining PING, I’ve felt very much a part of their golf family,” Hovland said. “The Norwegian connection is really cool and one of the many things that makes our relationship so special. Their team is out there every week on tour, working with me, fine-tuning my clubs but also just listening to me, watching me hit shots and helping determine what I need to elevate my game. I like that it’s a collaboration. We talk through everything, whether that’s at tour events or at the PING Proving Grounds. I’ve always learned a lot from our discussions, which makes me a smarter golfer. The equipment is fantastic and everyone who supports me is really experienced and passionate about what they do, so I look forward to continuing what has been a very rewarding arrangement for me personally and professionally.”
As part of the multi-year agreement, Hovland will play PING clubs, carry a PING staff bag and wear PING-branded headwear (front of hat).
For more information, contact Pete Samuels (602) 687-5487.
PING is a registered trademark of Karsten Manufacturing Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.
