Norwegian golfer Viktor Hovland has drawn attention beyond the greens with his enthusiastic support for Norway’s football team ahead of their World Cup quarter-final match against England on Saturday in Miami. Hovland recently celebrated his Travelers Championship victory in Connecticut with the now-viral Viking rowing gesture, a celebration he plans to reprise should Norway advance further in the tournament.
Norway, having eliminated Brazil in a surprise win, will face Thomas Tuchel’s England team in the last eight. The encounter has sparked additional interest among Scottish golf fans, given the longstanding football rivalry between Scotland and England. Hovland, who is set to compete at the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick, expressed hope that Norway’s success could also rally support from the Scottish “Tartan Army,” a group known for their passionate backing of Scotland's national teams. “Let’s do it on Sunday,” Hovland said regarding performing the Viking rowing celebration at the tournament’s first tee if Norway reaches the semi-finals.
Several of Hovland’s Ryder Cup teammates, including Matt Fitzpatrick and Tommy Fleetwood, are noted football enthusiasts, which adds an element of camaraderie and friendly rivalry within the golf community. English golfer Aaron Rai, who won the US PGA Championship in May and also participates in the Scottish Open, acknowledged the burgeoning excitement surrounding the Norway-England clash. Rai said he had briefly congratulated Hovland on his recent golf victory and anticipated a closely contested football match. “I think it will be very close. Norway have played great this year,” Rai remarked.
Rai also shared insights on how he has drawn inspiration from other sports, including tennis. He recently attended Wimbledon with his wife, observing the physical and mental demands on elite players. Rai highlighted that while challenges differ across sports, examining body language and match strategies can be beneficial for athletes looking to enhance their own performance.
As Norway’s football team vies for a historic run in the World Cup, Hovland’s blend of professional golf and national football enthusiasm underscores the interconnection between sports communities. With the quarter-final set for Saturday night, many, including those at the upcoming Scottish Open, will watch closely to see if Norway’s unlikely football success can continue—and whether the Viking rowing celebration will make its return in a different sporting arena.