Norway's Viktor Hovland in the mix at Sawgrass

Hovland hit the ball well enough the win the Players last year, sniffing the lead on Sunday before a few short-game lapses on the closing stretch had him settle for a T9 in 2022

IN THE MIX: Viktor Hovland is in the mix at the Players Championship. Pic: AP Photo/Fernando Llano

Viktor Hovland was on a roll with five birdies in his first 11 holes Friday after finishing with four birdies in his last five holes Thursday. The run had him 8-under par and tied for the lead at the Players Championship.

“I was just hitting it really well, hitting a lot of fairways, hitting a lot of greens,” the Norwegian said. “I hit a lot of really nice iron shots to close and give myself a lot of looks and made a couple nice putts on top of that. Had it going.”