Introduction: Viktor Hovland’s Driving Game

If you watch PGA Tour golf, you’ve probably noticed that Viktor Hovland isn’t one of the longest hitter. Despite being a rising star with multiple PGA Tour victories, including the Valspar Championship, he ranks just 136th in driving distance. That might surprise some people who assume every elite golfer smashes the ball 330 yards down the fairway. The Ping G425 won’t necessarily improve that- but let’s investigate why it might be a great choice.

But here’s the thing—golf isn’t just about how far you can drive. There’s an old saying in golf: “Drive for show, putt for dough.” This means that while smashing a long drive down the fairway might turn heads, it’s the putting and your short game that ultimately wins tournaments. Hovland may not be topping the driving charts, but he’s proven that precision, consistency, and a strong all-around game are what really matter.

So, what driver does Viktor Hovland use? He trusts the Ping G425, and there’s a good reason why.

The Old Saying: “Drive for Show, Putt for Dough”

There’s something thrilling about crushing a drive 300 yards down the fairway. It’s one of the most fun aspects of golf. But here’s the reality: long drives don’t necessarily translate to lower scores. The best golfers in the world know that winning comes down to iron play, short game, and—most importantly—putting.

Take Scottie Scheffler, for example. He’s currently the No. 1 golfer in the world, yet he ranks only 78th in driving distance according to PGA Tour stats. Meanwhile, Viktor Hovland, despite being ranked 136th in driving distance, is still winning tournaments. Clearly, distance alone doesn’t make it happen!

Viktor Hovland’s Choice – The Ping G425 Driver

Hovland plays with the Ping G425 Driver, and for good reason. This club is known for its forgiveness, consistency, and ability to produce straight, controlled drives—even when you don’t hit the sweet spot perfectly.

Why the Ping G425?

• Forgiveness – The G425’s MOI (moment of inertia) is one of the highest on the market, meaning off-center hits still go relatively straight.
• Adjustability – The driver features three different weight settings (draw, neutral, fade) to fine-tune ball flight.
• Sound & Feel – Many players praise its solid sound and feel at impact, which helps with confidence at address. However, I will say this- I have heard the sound complaints- I don’t get it. Sounds solid to me!

Unlike some of the more aggressive distance drivers out there, the Ping G425 is all about control and consistency—qualities that make it a great choice for a precision player like Hovland.

Distance Isn’t Everything in Golf

We’ve already talked about how the longest hitters don’t always win. But let’s really drive this point home.

• Scottie Scheffler: No. 1 in the world, 78th in driving distance
• Viktor Hovland: 136th in driving distance, but winning on Tour

These guys aren’t trying to outdrive the competition—they’re trying to outplay them. While big hitters like Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau can smash 330-yard drives, the real key to success is accuracy, consistency, and short-game execution.

Hovland’s Ping G425 Driver helps him keep the ball in play, avoid costly mistakes, and set himself up for great approach shots. That’s how you win.

Should You Use the Ping G425?

So, does that mean you should grab a Ping G425 Driver for yourself? It depends on what you’re looking for in a driver.

Who Is the Ping G425 Best For?

• Players who want more forgiveness – If you don’t always hit the center of the clubface, this driver will help keep your shots in play.
• Golfers looking for consistency over raw power – If you care more about accuracy and shot shape than just pure distance, this is a great pick.
• Mid-to-high handicappers – The adjustability and forgiving nature of the G425 make it a great choice for improving players.

Is It Right for You?

If you’re struggling to keep your drives in play or find yourself missing the fairway too often, the Ping G425 is definitely worth a look. It’s not the longest driver out there, but it’s one of the most forgiving and consistent—and that’s why Viktor Hovland trusts it.

At the end of the day, golf is about playing smart, not just hitting bombs. Viktor Hovland has proven that distance isn’t everything—precision, consistency, and a strong short game are what really matter. While he’s not the longest driver on tour, he’s still a winner.

If you’re looking for a driver that helps you hit more fairways and play better golf, the Ping G425 is a solid choice. After all, what’s the point of hitting it 320 yards if it’s deep in the rough? Play smart, play consistent, and you’ll see real improvements in your game.

FAQs

1. What loft does Viktor Hovland use on his Ping G425 Driver?
Hovland typically uses a 9-degree loft on his Ping G425, but he may adjust it based on course conditions.

2. Is the Ping G425 a good driver for beginners?
Yes! It’s one of the most forgiving and user-friendly drivers on the market, making it great for beginners and mid-handicappers.

3. What is the biggest advantage of the Ping G425 Driver?
The biggest advantage is forgiveness—it helps reduce slices and mishits, making it easier to hit fairways consistently.