Took up golf at age 10 near course where he lived in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Father, Lars, a low-handicap golfer, was an executive for Volvo Trucks Division, resulting in the family living in England between ages 10-14, then moving to Greensboro, North Carolina, for his last two years of high school when the company transferred his father. Was the 1996 state 4A medalist for Grimsley High School.

Won four tournaments while at North Carolina State, including the NCAA East Regionals event by four strokes, but was disqualified for signing an incorrect scorecard.

Prior to attending North Carolina State, was two-time national junior college individual champion at Central Alabama Community College (1997-98). Roomed with former PGA TOUR member Marc Turnesa at North Carolina State.