The "Hovland Rule" Might Not Have Made A (Tour Card Earning) Difference For Viktor Hovland

Even though everyone knows the USGA does not move quickly, Monday’s welcome change in allowing the reigning U.S. Amateur winner to retain their U.S. Open exemption even if they turn pro in the months after winning, was met with fingers pointed at Viktor Hovland.

While it is logical that Hovland remained an amateur to play the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, therefore costing him valuable FedExCup points had he been playing as a pro, it is illogical to think the USGA acted within hours of Hovland missing out on earning his PGA Tour card by just a few points.

Of course they did not and of course they have been contemplating this change for some time.

Even better, based on the points handed out at Pebble Beach, Bill Speros at Golfweek reasons that Hovland still would have missed earning his card…by one point.