Golf Helps Norway Team Mental Adjustment, Haaland and Others Eager to Participate

2026-07-28

During the 2026 World Cup, the players of the Norway national team have turned to golf as a way to alleviate psychological stress, a practice endorsed by goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland. He stated that playing golf with teammates such as Erling Haaland and Strand Larsen effectively allows players to temporarily escape the pressures of competition and better prepare for the upcoming challenges.

Golf is increasingly gaining popularity within the Norway national team, even catching the attention of notable Norwegian golfers like Viktor Hovland and Kristoffer Ræder. Nyland remarked in an interview with VG, "It’s truly fantastic. We enjoy a lot of fun on the golf course, completely clearing our minds and letting go of all worries. From a psychological standpoint, this is a huge help for us."

Haaland and Others Obsessed with Golf, Team Uses it as a Relaxation Method

The golf culture within the Norway national team is blossoming. Team members generally agree that Nyland, at 33 years old, is one of the finest golfers on the squad. He shared, "I’ve been playing golf since I was about 10 or 11, and I've continued ever since. Although I’ve been a bit busy with family recently, I still try to carve out time to play."

Golfer Kristoffer Ræder also commented, "They are almost completely obsessed with golf." While preparing for the World Cup and during the group stages, the Norway team is staying at the upscale Greenover Resort in Greensboro, USA, which not only features excellent training facilities but also two large golf courses where players can relax in their downtime.

Nyland noted, "We are living in a resort equipped with outstanding golf facilities. Many players have played golf here more than they have throughout the entire season."

Head Coach Provides Freedom, but Maintains Strict Discipline Before Matches

Nyland pointed out that the national team head coach gives players ample freedom to relax through golf. However, he emphasized the importance of discipline before matches: "In the few days leading up to the match, everyone is very serious. I think this is part of why the coach allows us to enjoy that freedom."

He added that this environment is more conducive to adjusting their states compared to staying in a city hotel. Additionally, Nyland mentioned that Julian Ryerson is his major competitor in golf: "We love playing together, and we both know our levels, so the pace of play is quicker."

Varying Golf Skills Among Norway Team, but Overall Improvement is Apparent

When asked about the general level of golf skills within the national team, Nyland admitted, "There is still a noticeable gap. Some players are just starting out, while others have been playing for a long time." He believes that players who were exposed to golf earlier clearly have an advantage, but he is confident that everyone’s skills will improve during the tournament.

Haaland Experienced Top Courses, Golf Stars Supporting Norway from Afar

The Norway team’s passion for golf has also attracted the attention of top golfers. Just before the World Cup, Haaland, Jørgen Strand Larsen, and Sande Berge made a trip to the famed Sedgefield Country Club for a round.

Golfers Kristoffer Ræder and Viktor Hovland are closely following Norway's progress. Ræder described witnessing Norway's thrilling 3-2 victory over Senegal as one of the best nights of his life and expressed immense pride in being Norwegian. He also revealed that Jørgen Strand Larsen had invited him to meet the players, which left a lasting impression.

"This team has a deep love for golf; they were thrilled to have me there, and I have great respect for their achievements and the contributions they make to Norwegian football," Ræder added. "In such an atmosphere, the stories they shared with me created a special connection."

Though Ræder joked that he rarely gets the chance to offer the players golf tips, he finds their enthusiasm incredibly amusing. "About 10 to 11 players are really into it; it’s honestly quite wild." Hovland, while not a fervent football fan, has been captivated by Norway's performance at the World Cup. He remarked, "I have to admit, even though I don't often follow football, this World Cup has become a nationwide celebration, an essential cultural phenomenon for the people of Norway."