Viktor Hovland critical of Ryder Cup venue, says he’s ‘not a fan’ of Marco Simone Golf and Country Club

Viktor Hovland has lashed out at the layout of the host venue for next year’s Ryder Cup, the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club.

Europe are on a revenge mission after a chastening 19-9 defeat to the United States at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin in 2021.

Hovland made his Ryder Cup debut in 2021, and revelled in the occasion – albeit without the result he wanted.

Attention is shifting towards the 2023 iteration in Italy, and the players got a taster at this year’s Italian Open.

It was a stacked field, with world No. 1 Rory McIlroy, US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick and Hovland among those to tee it up.

At the time of the event in September, Hovland was struggling with his game so may not have got the best impression of the venue – but he pulled no punches in an interview with Eurosport Norway.

“It is a bit disappointing, I must say,” Hovland said. “I’m not a fan of the design of the track itself.”

The Norwegian played in all five sessions in the 2021 Ryder Cup, losing three times and claiming a half in the other two including his singles match with Collin Morikawa.

Hovland feels that the demanding physical test in Italy means it will be tough for players to take part in all five sessions.

“It is up and down a large mountain, so it will be difficult to walk,” Hovland said. “Honestly, I think people will struggle to play 36 holes, and especially the caddies.”

Home advantage allows the captain to set up the venue to best suit his players, but Hovland feels the nature of the course will not play to the strengths of Luke Donald’s players.

“I don’t think it suits the Europeans very well,” Hovland said. “When you’re first going to make a course for the Europeans in the Ryder Cup, it’s pretty disappointing to end up with that product.”

The seventh hole features a three-tiered green that runs away from the players from the fairway. It has been a hot topic of debate, and Hovland is not a fan.

After playing a practice round with one of Donald’s assistants, Edoardo Molinari, Hovland said: “You have a green that has three different plateaus, but they go down and away from you.

“You stand there with a four-iron in your hand with water to the left and a right side which is not particularly good either. I said ‘this is the worst hole I’ve ever played.’”

Hoping that changes will be made to the seventh, Hovland said: “I am excited about what they have done with that hole. Maybe they have blown up the whole green?”