Golf | March 02, 2023
Passion is the main force that drives people to step out of their comfort zone. Taking direct action to make a dream come true is a difficult thing for one to execute. For
Oscar Abrahamsson, venturing out of his comfort zone has led him to leave his home country of Sweden and pursue his dreams of playing golf at the next level.
Abrahamsson, a native of Gothenburg, Sweden, began playing golf at a young age. His father introduced the sport to him over a decade ago and he never looked back.
"I played a lot of soccer growing up, but then one day my dad took me to the golf course when I was around 12. I just fell for it straight away," said Abrahamsson.
Finding a college in the U.S. was not an easy feat while in another country. USC Aiken was introduced to Abrahamsson through friends who played there before him. After hearing about the program and the positive experiences of his peers, he knew it was a clear choice.
Abrahamsson said, "Since I'm from Europe, it is hard to know about college over here. I came here because USCA has a really good golf program, but also I have had friends that went here. They told me only good things about it and that made me decide to go here."
Knowing golf was the focus of his aspirations, leaving Sweden was an inevitable decision due to the inclement weather hindering competition, and the opportunity it would give him to play at a higher level.
"The weather doesn't allow me to play over half of the year. It is snowing all of the time and the golf courses are closed for most of the year. Also, playing college golf is a great way of taking the next step," Abrahamsson said.
Playing for a team has offered insight and a new perspective for Abrahamsson, showing him what he loves the most about his sport.
"I love the tournaments and feeling the pressure. Golf is an individual sport but playing college golf means playing for yourself and playing for USC Aiken. It is really fun to feel the pressure of representing both yourself and your school."
The initial transition from Sweden to the U.S. was not easy for Abrahamsson, but after two years, he feels he has adapted to the new language, culture, and education system. With help from other Swedish teammates, he was able to make South Carolina his home.
"I'm used to being here now, but in the beginning, it was tough with cultural and language differences. The school system was completely new so it was tough in the beginning," said Abrahamsson. "We had another two guys from Sweden last year and they really helped me get through it. It was easier with them than if I was the only Swede here."
Abrahamsson has brought forth an abundance of success for the USC Aiken golf team. With the outstanding numbers he has posted, he earned recognition from the Peach Belt Conference while solidifying a PING all-region selection. To Abrahamsson, these honors mean little as his humility causes his focus to be a team player.
"I am just trying to do my best all the time and be a role model for the other guys on the team. I'm trying to be a good person and whatever that gets me, I'll take it. It is fun, but nothing I really pay attention to," said Abrahamsson.
Going into the next portion of the season, Abrahamsson's goals are to continue the work he and his teammates are doing now. With the inconsistent outcome of the sport, relying on the process is important.
"Golf is a tough sport. It's up and down. I am just going to keep practicing and be the best version of myself I can be," said Abrahamsson. "If I don't succeed, I want the team to succeed. I am going to help the others in some way. Wherever that takes me, I'm down for the ride."
