“You little explicit” is the only thing competitor and friend Matthew Fitzpatrick said to Viktor Hovland after he caught lightning in a bottle, capturing a course record 61, nine under par, at legendary golf course Olympia Fields to win the BMW Championship.

But what makes Hovland’s win so special?

For the second time this season, Hovland won a golf tournament while not being in the final pairing — his second come-from-behind win this year. Another unlikely fact about this win is that he started the final round three shots back of leaders Scottie Scheffler (world number 1) and Fitzpatrick (world number 8).

In other words, victory for Hovland seemed quite far-fetched, but his fans knew it was possible, whether they were in the United States or all the way back in Hovland’s home country of Norway. 

The Norwegian sensation, who vaulted into pro golf after his decorated collegiate career at Oklahoma State, making 10 birdies at Olympia Fields on his way to a nine-under round.

After only two under on the front nine, he started the back nine by effortlessly making three birdies in a row to immediately catapult himself back into contention for the title.

As an avid fan of Hovland, NASH junior Isaac Krieger was not especially surprised.

“Viktor Hovland is undeniably one of the best golfers in the world, and his last two weeks have proved it,” Krieger said.

Still, Scheffler remained ahead, and I, another Hovland admirer, was doubtful that the Norwegian would be able to surpass him.  Announcer Jim Nantz apparently agreed.

“I know Viktor is playing great but, man, I think it’s almost impossible to knock Scottie Schefller off the top,” Nantz said during the broadcast.

Well, neither of us could have been more wrong.

After a par on hole 13, Hovland caught fire, as he made birdie on four of the last five holes to take a one-shot lead into the clubhouse and ultimately win by two shots. I was awestruck, as if I were watching a long-time best friend succeed.

It was like I was watching prime Tiger Woods strike the ball, effortlessly putting it no farther than 12 feet for any of his putts on the back nine, which is just simply unheard of. It is to date one of the greatest accomplishments I have ever seen in professional sports.

Love or hate Viktor Hovland, appreciate the incredible moment and respect greatness.