Robert Karlsson

HONG KONG - NOVEMBER 17: Robert Karlsson of Sweden plays his tee shot on the 14th hole during the third round of the UBS Hong Kong Open at the Hong Kong Golf Club on November 17, 2007 in Fanling, Hong Kong. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

European Tour player Robert Karlsson currently ranks high on the European Ryder Cup Points List and on the World Ryder Cup Points List, making him a possible Team Europe player at the 2008 Ryder Cup Matches.

Along with fellow Swede Henrik Stenson, Karlsson joined the winning European team in the 2006 Ryder Cup Matches. He also ranked number 11 in the European Ryder Cup points for 1999, missing automatic selection for the team by a single place.

Robert Karlsson has represented Continental Europe three times in The Seve Trophy, in 2000, 2002 and 2007. He played for the winning European Tour in the Royal Trophy in 2007. He also represented Sweden, his home country, at the 1992 Alfred Dunhill Cup and, in both 2001 and 2007, at the World Cup.

Born in Sweden and now living in Monaco, Karlsson had an early introduction to golf - his father was a greenkeeper. At over 6 feet, he is one of the tallest golfers representing Europe.

After turning professional in 1989, Karlsson joined the European Tour in 1990. Since then, he has won 7 European Tour events, and has consistently ranked high on the Order of Merit, with a fourth position in 2006. After winning the Deutsche Bank Players Championship of Europe, he made it to within the top 50 of the Official World Golf Rankings.

At the 2006 Celtic Manor Wales Open, Robert Karlsson broke the European Tour records for both 36 hole and 54 hole scoring when he scored 124 for the first two rounds and 189 for the first three.

Robert Karlsson finished the 2007 season ranking 10th on the Order of Merit list and within the top 40 in the Official World Golf Rankings, with earnings of €114,410.57. Notable finishes for Karlsson in 2007 included a tie for second in the UBS Hong Kong Open, second place in the Portugal Masters and a tie for 13th place in the Mercedes-Benz Championship.

European Tour Wins (7)

  • 2006: Celtic Manor Wales Open, Deutsche Bank Players Championship of Europe
  • 2002: Omega European Masters
  • 2001: Via Digital Open de España
  • 1999: Belgacom Open
  • 1997: BMW International Open
  • 1995: Turespana Open Mediterrania

Robert Karlsson's performance in 2008 will determine whether he falls high enough in the European Ryder Cup Points list to join the European team in challenging Team USA. See the Ryder Cup qualifying process for details on how Team Europe members are selected.