Justin Thomas’ dreams shattered as Viktor Hovland stages a ruthless late charge to snatch Valspar title.

Viktor Hovland delivered a merciless late surge to snatch victory at the Valspar Championship, capitalising on a devastating collapse by Justin Thomas. The Norwegian, who had been struggling for form, produced a stunning finish to claim his seventh PGA Tour title, while Thomas watched his lead evaporate in agonising fashion.

For much of the final round, Thomas looked unstoppable. A dazzling run of seven birdies in his first 15 holes seemed to seal the deal, but the pressure of closing out the tournament proved too much. A bogey at the 16th sent warning signs, but his real disaster struck at the 18th, where another bogey left the door wide open for Hovland to pounce.

Hovland, ice-cool under pressure, sensed weakness and attacked. With three birdies in his final five holes, he turned the tables on Thomas, snatching the title with a four-under-par 67. It marked his first PGA Tour victory since the 2023 Tour Championship and a remarkable return to form after missing the cut in his previous three tournaments.

“I was calm, even when JT went three shots ahead,” Hovland said after lifting the trophy. “I knew I just had to keep playing my game, hit good shots, and sink some putts. It worked out perfectly.”

Thomas’ Nightmare Collapse

Thomas’ downfall was as dramatic as it was painful. He had control of the tournament and needed only to hold his nerve. Instead, he crumbled when it mattered most. His bogey at the par-4 16th cut his lead, and when he faltered again at the 18th, the title slipped from his grasp.

A par would have forced a play-off, but under the weight of expectation, Thomas’ swing deserted him. He finished at 10-under, agonisingly one stroke behind Hovland.

Jacob Bridgeman, who had led at the halfway mark, also fell just short, settling for third place after a final-round 69. Meanwhile, Japan’s Ryo Hisatsune and Americans Bud Cauley and Billy Horschel finished in a tie for fourth at eight under.

Further down the leaderboard, Ireland’s Shane Lowry and Seamus Power ended their campaigns at six under, while England’s Tommy Fleetwood struggled to find his rhythm, closing out at four under.

Hovland’s Redemption Arc

This victory marks a crucial comeback for Hovland, who had been enduring a rough patch in recent months. Missing three straight cuts had raised questions about his form, but this ruthless performance silenced any doubts. His final round was a masterclass in patience, precision, and mental toughness—qualities Thomas lacked in the final moments.

For Thomas, this latest implosion adds to a growing list of painful near-misses. The two-time major champion has struggled to close out tournaments in recent months, and his Valspar collapse will only fuel concerns about his ability to handle pressure.

Hovland, on the other hand, proved why he remains one of the most lethal finishers in golf. With ice in his veins, he delivered when it mattered, punishing Thomas’ errors and reminding the world why he belongs among the sport’s elite.

With his confidence restored, Hovland now turns his focus to bigger challenges ahead. But for Thomas, the demons of this crushing defeat may take much longer to shake.