Norwegian soccer fans supporting their national team at the 2026 World Cup made a detour to the PGA Tour’s Travelers Championship in Connecticut. They brought their viral “Viking row” chant to TPC River Highlands to cheer on countrymen Viktor Hovland and Kristoffer Reitan.
The crossover of sporting cultures was on full display during Thursday’s opening round. A vocal group of Norwegian supporters, dressed in red jerseys, followed Hovland and Reitan, adding a football-style atmosphere to the reserved environment of a PGA Tour event. One fan explained his reason for attending. He said: “if I’m not doing anything”.
The fans brought with them the “Viking row,” a chant that has become a viral feature of Norway’s World Cup campaign. The coordinated gesture, embracing the nation’s seafaring heritage, has been seen in stadiums and even Norway’s parliament. The viral nature of the celebration prompted some humorous online commentary. One user joked: “every CVS is out of pregnancy tests”. Another predicted it would create a “sea of ginger babies”.
The unique support was acknowledged by the players on the course. After Kristoffer Reitan rolled in a putt, the fans began their chant. The broadcast captured Reitan smiling before performing a small version of the rowing motion himself. Teammate Viktor Hovland offered his own philosophical take on handling setbacks. He said: “I’m not crying over a decision you can’t change”.
The vocal encouragement coincided with a strong start for both Norwegian golfers. World No. 30 Viktor Hovland and Kristoffer Reitan both finished the first round in a tie for second place, positioning them well for the remainder of the tournament. The unusual display of national pride highlights the global reach of golf’s top players and how fan support can cross over from other major international sporting events to create unique moments.
