Born and raised in Eslov, Sweden (pronounced ES-lov), a town in the southern third of the country with a population of roughly 20,000. Among the town's top tourist attractions are a toy museum and a handful of castles and churches.

Grew up playing soccer until he shifted his focus to golf at age 13; he played central midfielder, a position he enjoyed because it was involved in so much of the action and gave him a sense of control.

Grew up playing Eslov Golf Club in his hometown; he returns there every time he is back home in Sweden.

Attended a traditional high school in his hometown for a year, after which he gained admission to the national sports high school -- which acts in conjunction with the Swedish national team -- in Helsingborg and finished school there. The daily routine was practice in the morning, academic studies thereafter, and practice again in the evening.