Viktor Hovland’s gamble, short game produce first sub-70 Masters round

AUGUSTA, Ga. – As an avid poker player, Viktor Hovland would consider himself a bit of a gambler.

Trying to finish off a bogey-free round Thursday at Augusta National’s par-4 closing hole, Hovland found himself short-sided in the right greenside bunker. The direct line, or the safe play, would likely see the ball kick forward off a severe downslope and leave Hovland, at best, with a 15-footer for par.

“Or,” as Hovland explained, “I could try to get a little cute with it and take the slope, and if I got enough spin on it, it would take the slope and go directly down.”

Full-field scores from the 87th Masters Tournament

He took the risk, and it paid off handsomely with just 8 feet left for par,…