Staff WriterIf you like your golf stories with a touch of speed, a dash of swagger and the occasional plot twist, Kristoffer Reitan has been quietly writing a best-seller—now with a brand-new wardrobe. Original Penguin®, a division of Perry Ellis International, has announced the addition of Reitan to its global golf roster, a move that feels less like a sponsorship and more like the natural next chapter for one of Norway’s brightest talents.
Original Penguin isn’t exactly short on pedigree either. Reitan joins a lineup of ambassadors that already includes PGA TOUR winners Brian Campbell and Nico Echavarria, PGA TOUR member Max McGreevy and Johnny Keefer, the reigning Korn Ferry Tour Rookie and Player of the Year. In other words: the bird is building a proper clubhouse.
Reitan, born in Oslo, has been turning “promising” into “proven” at a pace that makes you check the calendar twice. In 2018, he became the first Norwegian ever to compete in the U.S. Open—an early headline that hinted he wasn’t planning to blend into the scenery. Since then, the milestones have stacked up like Sunday birdies.
There was the 2024 Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final win, followed by not one but two DP World Tour titles: the 2025 Soudal Open and the 2025 Nedbank Golf Challenge, the latter in wire-to-wire fashion—golf’s version of leading from the first lap and never once looking in the rear-view mirror.
And then came the ranking jump that tends to change a career’s postcode. In 2025, Reitan broke into the top 100 of the Official World Golf Ranking and is currently 31st, earning him playing status for the 2026 PGA TOUR season and a spot in the Masters. That’s not a glow-up—that’s a full-scale transformation.
Perry Ellis International CEO Oscar Feldenkreis sounded like a man who knows exactly what kind of edge he’s just added to the brand.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kristoffer to the Original Penguin family,” said Oscar Feldenkreis, CEO of Perry Ellis International. “Kristoffer brings a powerful presence to our global roster, with a fearless playing style, a proven record on the DP World Tour, and a genuine passion for the sport.”
That “fearless playing style” bit matters. Golf has plenty of technically brilliant players; fewer are willing to take on a shot the way some people take on a rollercoaster—eyes wide, heart racing, and fully committed to the chaos. Kristoffer Reitan has made a habit of looking comfortable in the uncomfortable, and that’s usually the sign of someone built for bigger stages.
For his part, Reitan seems equally delighted to pull on the famous Pete the Penguin for what will be a landmark year.
“I’m honored to join the Original Penguin team,” said Reitan. “Their blend of heritage and modern performance really fits my personality and how I approach the game. I’m looking forward to wearing the Penguin as I continue competing internationally and taking on new challenges on the PGA TOUR in 2026.”
The timing is as neat as a freshly raked bunker. Reitan will wear Original Penguin’s 2026 collection as he builds on his breakthrough 2025 season and prepares for his first year on the PGA TOUR—where every week is a new test, every leaderboard has teeth, and every round demands you show up as your sharpest self.
Feldenkreis, for one, isn’t shy about what Reitan represents for the brand’s identity in the sport.
“Kristoffer reflects Original Penguin’s commitment to supporting world-class athletes who balance performance, personality, and authenticity,” added Feldenkreis. “We are excited to stand behind him as he continues to elevate his game on the world stage.”
That’s the sweet spot, isn’t it? Performance that speaks for itself, personality that doesn’t need an introduction, and authenticity that can’t be manufactured—especially in a game that can spot a fake faster than it can spot a backspin mark.
Original Penguin has been around for over 70 years, with its iconic Pete the Penguin embraced by leisure lovers and athletes worldwide. The brand’s reputation is built on blending modern performance with timeless style—an appealing mix for golf’s rising talent and established names alike, and a fitting match for a player like Kristoffer Reitan, who looks as comfortable making history as he does making moves.
If 2025 was Reitan’s breakthrough, 2026 is shaping up as the main event. New tour, new schedule, new pressures—and now, a very recognisable penguin along for the ride.
