Viktor Hovland, the Norwegian golf star and former FedExCup champion, has officially withdrawn from the 2025 RBC Canadian Open, continuing a challenging season marked by injuries and inconsistent play.
Hovland’s absence from the tournament at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley follows his earlier withdrawal from the Texas Children’s Houston Open during the second round due to a back injury. This would have been his first appearance since that incident, but lingering health issues have kept him sidelined.
The 2025 season has been turbulent for Hovland. In addition to his back problems, he has dealt with other physical setbacks and made significant changes to his coaching team, including parting ways with swing instructor Joe Mayo. These factors have contributed to a lack of momentum and consistency in his performances.
Hovland’s withdrawal is part of a broader trend of notable absences from the RBC Canadian Open. Other PGA Tour winners, such as Brian Campbell, KH Lee, and Ben Martin, have also pulled out due to various reasons, including injuries.
Despite these withdrawals, the tournament boasts a strong field, with World No. 2 Rory McIlroy and rising star Ludvig Åberg among the top contenders. Canadian favorite Corey Conners and American Wyndham Clark are also set to compete.
As Hovland continues his recovery, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see when he returns to form and how he navigates the remainder of the season.