He is now the hottest golfer in Europe, but he is also one of the most well-known golfers.
In fact, back in mid-April, Kristoffer Reitan never made the top three on the DP World Tour, but just a few weeks later, he played four times, won once and finished second twice.
His back-to-back scores were even more remarkable on Sunday.
He won the Sudal Open in the Austrian Alpine Open 62 and seven days later.
But who is this phenomenon?
Golf365 talked to a 27-year-old Norwegian at Gut Altentann in Salzburg to learn more.
Well, he’s Norwegian, so he knows Viktor Hovland?
Better than this – both play together in amateur golf matches and become good friends.
In fact, Reitan added: “Viktor helped me practice in the states, so he has been part of the reason why I’m getting better.”
What is Reitan’s background?
He first participated in the DP World Tour in 2019, finishing in the top 25 in seven. But only the top ten means he lost his card, and since his limited starting point, he has shown few signs of this form of explosion.
How does he deal with the lows?
In terms of finance, it’s not bad, as his family owns Reitan Retail, a leading company in Nordic and Baltic countries. They are essentially supermarket tycoons.
His top 25 in 2019 is in Valderrama, where his family is. Scandinavian golf reporters said they flew private jets to 18 holes in southern Spain.
Is there a low point?
He may not have financial problems, but his condition is worrying. In 2022, he has little chance of playing, and he considers giving up his tour life and launching the YouTube golf channel.
“I don’t like it, and I’m not making any progress,” he said.
What has changed?
He spoke with his team late last year and made changes. This prompted a quick win in the Challenge Tour Finals and graduated from the Major Tour.
“I just kept trying to stop myself and make my talent stand out a little bit,” he said. “That’s what I’m talking about with my psychologists and it’s always working.”
When did he catch fire on the main tour?
He only has one top 20 in the first 12 games. His balls drive well, regularly ranked in the top 20 strokes earned on the tee, but without punching putts.
Everything has changed over the past few weeks.
In fifth place, he ranked second in the Hainan Classics.
He was ranked the same when Turkish Airlines opened T33, and when Austria was second, he ranked fourth with a flat rod.
Strangely, he was only ranked 28th when he won the victory in Belgium.
What about the light on those two Sundays?
Just extraordinary.
He is Belgium’s leading T22nd and 9 shots. His 62 shot forced him to win three.
Then, he was 14th last week, before hitting a 60-shot. He even scored 59 on the last 25-foot Hawk putt.
“I felt good this morning,” he said. “59 was a little short of it in my mind, but I just wanted to get as many birds as possible.”
Shooting on two Sundays 62-60 – Amazing!
The DP World Tour said he was the first golfer to win a golfer of 62 or higher in back-to-back weeks.
Since 1972, only 13 players have won 18 holes from 8 or more games (0.63% of all activities).
Reitan did it almost back to back!
Of these 36 holes, he made 20 birdies (56%) and a bogey. He is under 19.
How did he react after his first victory?
“It’s hard at the beginning of the week,” he admitted. “A little bit resetting. I found it very difficult, but I wanted to take the initiative to adopt my psychological strategy.
“My goal this week is to change, whatever the outcome is, because I don’t think the win last week has helped me.
“I didn’t do well in the first few days, but I improved over the weekend.
“I was really on it today when I was 60. It’s a great feeling.”
What’s next?
He looks forward to the same activities as his friend Hovland. But he was also very alert.
“It’s all very confident, but I can’t rely on it and think I don’t need to work hard anymore. I’m afraid to think that. It’s a potential pitfall I hope to avoid.”
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