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Viktor Hovland finds a swing that works and rallies to beat Justin Thomas at Valspar Championship

Viktor Hovland, of Norway, reacts as he hold the trophy Sunday after winning the Valspar Championship at Innisbrook in Palm Harbor, Fla. Associated Press

PALM HARBOR, Fla. — Viktor Hovland found a swing that worked down the tough closing stretch at Innisbrook on Sunday, making three late birdies to rally past Justin Thomas with a 4-under 67 for a one-shot victory in the Valspar Championship.

Hovland has changed coaches five times since he last won at East Lake to capture the FedEx Cup in 2023. He wasn't entirely sure where his shots were going. Frustration was as great as ever when he arrived at Innisbrook thinking he had no chance of winning.

“I honestly did not believe I could do it this week,” he said.

It looked bleak even after Hovland and Thomas finally separated from the pack during a final round so tight nine players had at least a share of the lead at some point.

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