Viktor Hovland rallies past Justin Thomas to win Valspar Championship

Norway’s Viktor Hovland notched birdies on three of his final five holes to shoot 4-under-par 67 and win the Valspar Championship on Sunday at Innisbrook Resort’s Copperhead Course in Palm Harbor, Fla.

Hovland, who missed the cut in his previous three tournaments, finished at 11-under 273 for a one-stroke victory over Justin Thomas.

Hovland, 27, now has seven career victories. This is his first title since the 2023 Tour Championship, which capped a string of three victories in a three-month stretch.

Hovland had been three strokes off the pace on the back side before he heated up and Thomas fell off. Thomas had his second consecutive sterling round, but his 66 was marred by bogeys on Nos. 16 and 18. Those followed a five-hole stretch with four birdies.

Jacob Bridgeman, who led at the tournament’s midway mark, posted 69 and was third at 9 under.

Bud Cauley (66), Billy Horschel (67) and Japan’s Ryo Hisatsune (68) tied for fourth place at 8 under. Davis Riley (69) was seventh at 7 under.

Hovland got things rolling late with a 13-foot birdie putt on No. 14 before birdies on two of the next three holes. His bogey on the final hole wasn’t a problem because Thomas had already finished his round.

It marked the second 67 of the tournament for Hovland, who also posted that number in Friday’s second round.

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