The biggest moment of his golfing career occupied his mind for… a matter of minutes.Norway’s Bard Bjornevik Skogen had just become only the third Norwegian golfer to qualify for The Open this century, but between the various media commitments that came with his achievement, he was fixated on football.When speaking to The Athletic at Royal Cinque Ports, on England’s south coast, after he had finished 12 under, Skogen planted his phone on his golf bag streaming Norway’s World Cup round of 32 match against Ivory Coast, which had just kicked off.Norway, through Antonio Nusa and Erling Haaland, would go on to win their first knockout match at the World Cup, beating Ivory Coast 2-1 to set up a round of 16 tie with Brazil.“Norway’s never been to a European Championship or a World Cup since I was born in football, so it’s pretty special to watch this now,” said Skogen, barely taking in what he had done just minutes earlier.Get free access to the most comprehensive World Cup coverage in The Athletic appThe day before, compatriot Viktor Hovland had beaten world No 1 Scottie Scheffler in a rare Monday playoff at the Travelers Championship.Hovland celebrated by doing the ‘viking row’ with his fellow natives, a tribute to Norwegian’s Scandinavian ancestors that has been visible in stands around the World Cup. Skogen had even exchanged congratulatory messages with Hovland and was clearly inspired as he claimed his Open place, for the first time, at Royal Birkdale next month.Viktor Hovland joined his compatriots, who swapped the World Cup to support him in the Travelers playoff against Scottie Scheffler (Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images)“Since I have been a junior, I have always looked up to Viktor as every Norwegian golfer does, so to be alongside him now is crazy,” Skogen said of the world No 12 and Ryder Cup regular. “ I like to consider us friends.”It is now Hovland’s turn to dish out the praise, as Skogen finished final qualifying with a score of 12 under. The pair will join a field of 156, along with compatriot Kristoffer Reitan, for the 154th Open at Royal Birkdale, starting on July 16.