Mother, Ping-Yi Chen, is from Chinese Taipei (grew up in Japan), and father, Stefan, is half-French and half-German.

His father, Stefan, was an elite athlete in Germany before he was hit by a drunk-driver in a head-on collision which ended his dreams of being an Olympic athlete.

Made a cameo appearance in Happy Gilmore 2, released on Netflix in July 2025.

Played one season at Long Beach State University (2011-12) and three seasons at San Diego State University (2012-15).

In three seasons at San Diego State, earned two individual victories, garnered a 2015 All-America Third Team selection, and broke the school record for career scoring average (71.50).

In his lone season at Long Beach State, earned one individual victory and was named the 2012 Big West Conference Freshman of the Year.

Won the 2014 California State Amateur Championship, as he defeated Beau Hossler in the championship match at La Costa Resort in Carlsbad. Notable past champions of the event include Ken Venturi (1951, 1956), Gene Littler (1953), Johnny Miller (1968), John Cook (1975), Mark O'Meara (1979), and Jason Gore (1997).

Runner-up finisher at the 2014 Western Amateur, where he fell to Beau Hossler in the championship match.

Qualified for match play at the 2013 and 2014 U.S. Amateur Championships, notably reaching the Round of 16 at The Country Club in 2013.

Prepped at Scripps Ranch High School in San Diego, California, winning the individual state title at the 2011 CIF State Boys Golf Championship at Poppy Hills Golf Club. Notable past champions of the CIF State Boys Golf Championship include Rickie Fowler (2006/Murrieta Valley High School) and Patrick Cantlay (2010/Servite High School).