Robert Karlsson’s Story

My golf career started in a long jump pit behind a football field. I could play all day long - simply because it was so much fun. My first golf club was a #5 iron. My friend who was two years older than me had a #7 iron. He reached the green in one shot, and actually made a hole in one a couple of times. I never reached it in one shot and I remember how jealous I felt, but it also increased my determination to become better.

Some years later we moved to a house by the 4th fairway on the golf course in Katrineholm, where my father worked as a green keeper - so I literally grew up on the golf course. There were many adults around who supported me throughout the years. Without their commitment, I would not be where I am today.

When I was sixteen, I entered high school and left my plans and dreams to become a golf professional behind. However, I continued playing the game. That year, my expectations were minimal, and suddenly everything fell into place. My golf started to rise to another level. I won the Swedish Boys Championship and was selected to join the National team. All of a sudden the dreams of a becoming a pro came to life again.

My professional career began on the Swedish Tour in 1989 and the following year, I got my playing status on the European Tour. In recent years, my golf game has risen to a new level and life feels fantastic! But I can safely say that it was a pretty rough road up to the game that I play now. Despite some successes, several times I seriously considered giving up my professional career. I was annoyed at myself and thought I was not good enough. I knew that I had the capacity to be much better, but I could not reach my potential during tournaments.

In 2003 I married my wife Ebba. That same year I decided to really take hold of my life, both on the golf course and in my personal life. Since then I have worked with my coach Annchristine Lundstrom, where I have focused on developing my personal leadership skills in every area of my life. My consistent work in personal leadership is resulting in better and better outcomes - both on the golf course and in my daily life.

Ebba and I have two children. Our daughter, Thea, was born in 2001 and our son, Ceasar, was born in 2004. We recently moved to Charlotte in North Carolina, but also enjoy having a cottage in the village of Vuollerim, in Swedish Lapland. We feel we are getting the best of both worlds.