The women’s Olympic golf tournament is just a few hours away in Paris! Amidst the chaos, a heartwarming story is emerging from the Norwegian camp. For Norwegian golfer Madelen Stavnar, this moment is especially sweet. With Stavnar’s yet to show her fighting spirit, as she did in the 2023 Hero Women’s Indian Open, let’s take a closer look at the lighthearted bet that’s fueling her Olympic journey. 

A day ago, the Olympic Golf Instagram page shared a delightful post about Madelen Stavnar’s special bond with her father. At the heart of this bond is a remarkable bet made in 2018 that if the LET golfer ever qualified for the Olympics, her dad would get a tattoo. The post featured a photo with a caption overlay that said it all: “In 2018, dad and I signed a contract saying if I ever play in the Olympics, he will get a tattoo. Here we are.” 

Moreover, the photo showed Stavnar and her father in a tattoo shop in their hometown of Tønsberg, making sure that the bet was being followed through. The image captured a moment, with the father sporting an Olympic logo T-shirt and the tattoo on his forearm—an Olympic symbol—a permanent reminder of his daughter’s achievement. Well, you would want to know why the Olympic logo was tattooed.

As it turned out, the reason behind the tattoo is rooted in the agreement itself. As per golf.com, the contract states, “This contract promises that Thor Stavnar will tattoo the Olympic rings when his daughter, Madelene Stavnar, represents Norway. It doesn’t matter what year this happens, but the first goal is 2024. Thor can choose the size and location of the tattoo himself. A breach of this contract will lead to a conflict between both parties. Therefore, it is best to stick to the agreement.”

The post’s caption, “A bet’s a bet,” perfectly encapsulated the lighthearted yet meaningful moment. Meanwhile, with her father’s Olympic-themed tattoo now a reality, the Norwegian can focus on her own Olympic journey, knowing she has her dad’s unwavering support. But will Thor Stavnar take his support to the next level and caddy for his daughter in Paris?

Madelen Stavnar’s caddie for her first Olympic Golf event

Although her father is the motivation behind her blooming career, for caddying duties, the 23-year-old relies on Jamie Tipper. The caddie was also present when her father got his forearm tattooed. Tipper recalled a candid experience that showcases Thor’s lighthearted and motivational approach to his daughter’s golf career. “Her dad was like, ‘If you make six birdies or more, I’ll buy you a dress’,” Tipper noted. “Eagles counted double.”

He did it this year too, at the Ladies Italian Open, when Stavnar opened with a four-over 76. That night, Thor made an offer that, if she shot under par the next day, he’d caddy for her in the final round. The LET pro carded a 68, and her dad was on her bag for the final round, beaming with pride. 

With her father by her side, Madelen Stavnar is ready to take on the best in the world. Share your thoughts on this unique perspective on golf. The comment section is all yours.