Julie Hovland is a talented Norwegian professional known for her exceptional contributions to the world of women’s golf — both as a competitive golfer and now as a rising collegiate coach in the United States. Originally from Bergen, Norway, Hovland has steadily carved out a name for herself through hard work, perseverance, and strategic play, earning accolades throughout her amateur and collegiate career.
Her journey from junior golf in Norway to the American college circuit is a compelling story of ambition and dedication. Not only has she earned recognition as an award-winning player during her time at South Alabama, but she’s also transitioned into coaching roles at prestigious programs such as the University of Illinois and now the University of Kentucky.
Julie Hovland Age
As of the most recent updates in 2025, Julie Hovland’s exact date of birth is not publicly available, and no authoritative sources list her age. However, considering her college playing years (around 2018–2022), it is estimated that Julie is currently in her mid-to-late 20s. Despite the absence of a verified birthdate, her accomplishments speak volumes, underscoring her rapid ascent in the golfing and coaching world at a young age.
Early Life and Norwegian Golf Career
Julie Hovland was born and raised in Bergen, a scenic coastal city in Norway. She developed an interest in golf early on and honed her skills through national and club-level competitions. She attended WANG Toppidrett Oslo, a sports-focused secondary school, where she played with the Oslo Golf Club.
Her early achievements include:
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Contributing to junior and senior Norwegian team championships in 2016 and 2017.
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Scoring top finishes in individual medalist events.
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Earning a 5th place finish in the 2016 Norwegian Junior Championship.
These foundational years helped solidify Julie’s technique, mental discipline, and tournament experience — all of which would prove crucial in her collegiate career.
Transition to American Collegiate Golf
Julie’s golfing journey took a transformative leap when she enrolled at the University of South Alabama. Representing the South Alabama Jaguars, she became one of the most decorated golfers in the school’s history.
Key Achievements at South Alabama:
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Named Sun Belt Conference Women’s Golfer of the Year in 2021.
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Multiple medalist honors, including record-setting performances in:
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Lowest 54-hole score in school history
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Most birdies in a tournament
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Earned All-Sun Belt First Team honors for three consecutive seasons.
Julie not only excelled as an individual player but was also recognized for her team leadership and consistency. Her performance solidified her legacy within the university’s athletics department and drew attention from top programs nationwide.
Coaching Career: From Graduate Assistant to Assistant Coach
After concluding her competitive collegiate career, Julie transitioned into coaching, beginning as a graduate assistant coach for the women’s golf program at South Alabama in 2022–23. Her coaching tenure was marked by immediate success:
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The team secured two tournament wins.
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She coached two individual medalists.
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Known for encouraging a positive team environment and enhancing player development.
Her achievements earned her an opportunity to move up in the coaching world.
Assistant Coach at Illinois (2023–2025)
Julie joined the University of Illinois women’s golf program as an Assistant Coach, where she helped elevate the team’s profile in the Big Ten conference. Her mentorship, especially for international players, was praised by both players and head coaching staff.
New Role at the University of Kentucky (2025–Present)
As of August 2025, Julie Hovland is part of the University of Kentucky women’s golf staff. Her appointment is seen as a strategic step toward bolstering Kentucky’s competitive position in the NCAA landscape. With her playing expertise and coaching acumen, Julie brings a balanced, enthusiastic, and innovative approach to team development.
Julie Hovland Wikipedia Status
As of now, Julie Hovland does not have a dedicated Wikipedia page, despite her impressive accomplishments in both golf and coaching. Information about her can be found through official university athletic websites, sports media, and golf tournament records.
However, it’s important to note that her name appears in unrelated contexts as well — such as a Julie Hovland who was married to actor Telly Savalas. These are two entirely different individuals, and the golfer/coach Julie Hovland from Norway has no known connection to the Hollywood celebrity.
Is Julie Hovland Still Alive?
Yes, Julie Hovland is alive and active. She is currently working as a full-time coach in NCAA Division I athletics. Her recent appointment at the University of Kentucky in 2025 affirms her current professional engagement and public visibility.
Julie Hovland Net Worth
Julie Hovland’s net worth has not been publicly disclosed, as she is still early in her professional coaching career. However, based on average earnings in NCAA coaching and past endorsements/playing rewards, her net worth could be estimated in the range of $100,000–$250,000.
Here’s a rough breakdown:
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Graduate Assistant Coach salary: ~$15,000–$25,000/year
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Assistant Coach roles (Illinois and Kentucky): $50,000–$75,000/year
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Tournament winnings/sponsorships during playing career: $10,000–$30,000 (approximate)
These are speculative figures, as no official financial records are available for public viewing.
Julie Hovland vs. Telly Savalas’s Wife
It is crucial to differentiate Julie Hovland the golfer from another person of the same name, Julie Hovland, who was a travel agent from Minnesota and married to the late actor Telly Savalas. The two share a name but are from completely different generations and industries.
Julie Hovland (Savalas’s wife):
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Met Telly Savalas in 1977
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Known for being the mother of his children
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Has no known connection to sports or golf
Julie Hovland’s Legacy and Future
Julie Hovland represents a new generation of athletes-turned-coaches who blend international perspective, competitive experience, and leadership skills. Her coaching trajectory is a testament to her adaptability and long-term vision in the world of sports.
Given her age and experience, it’s likely that Julie will continue to climb the coaching ladder, possibly becoming a head coach at a top-tier NCAA program or even moving into international golf coaching. Her influence on the next generation of female golfers is already notable, and her future holds even greater promise.
Final Thoughts
Julie Hovland’s story is one of dedication, growth, and ongoing impact. From winning championships in Norway to building a collegiate legacy in the U.S., she is a role model for aspiring golfers and a valuable asset to any program she joins.
With time, she may receive more mainstream media attention, a Wikipedia biography, and broader recognition for her contributions. For now, her rising influence in the coaching world speaks for itself.
This article is published by Mating Press.
