Player Profile - Robert Karlsson

This week’s player profile showcases the life and career of Swedish golfing superstar Robert Karlsson. Born in the Swedish town of Katrineholm, Karlsson’s involvement in the game of golf began at a young age due to his father’s occupation as Green-keeper at the local golf course. This early start has been cited as one reason for the Swede’s consistent performance over the years.

Karlsson made his professional debut in 1989, completing qualifying school for the European tour a year later in 1990. He has never failed to retain his tour card since then, winning the order of merit in 2008 and carding an impressive eleven wins on the tour.

Karlsson played a consistent game in the first decade of his career, with his first win in 1995 at the Turespana Open. Following this initial victory, Karlsson carded wins at such prestigious championships as the BMW International Open, the Omega European Masters, and the Celtic Manor Open. It was in the latter championship, in the 2006 season, that he broke the European scoring records for both 36 and 54 holes. It was also this season that saw Karlsson enter the top 50 rankings in world golf, with a win at the Deutsche Bank Players Championship. Two years later he won the Alfred Dunhill Championship, which propelled him to number eight in the world golf rankings.

Though Karlsson had enjoyed a successful career on the European Tour, he was forced to weather a major injury in 2009 when he lost depth perception in one eye. Despite missing several tournaments in the 2009 season Karlsson came back strong this year, winning the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters. At the weekend he won the final event on the European Tour calendar, the Dubai World Championship, in a playoff against the UK’s Ian Poulter.

Robert Karlsson, known as “the scientist” for his careful analysis and accurate game, is a favourite of golfing fans from around the world. He is sure to continue entertaining and amazing us for years to come.