Who Is Thorbjorn Olesen? Meet Danish-origin PGA Tour Golfer
When we think of Danish sports icons, names from football and handball often come to mind. But in the lush, competitive fairways of international golf, Thorbjorn Olesen stands tall as one of Denmark’s brightest exports. With a fluid swing and fiery spirit, Olesen has earned his place among Europe’s elite golfers and is steadily building his reputation on the PGA Tour.
Born with natural athleticism and a steely competitive edge, Olesen blends Scandinavian precision with a bold approach to the game. From his early days on Denmark’s golf circuits to representing Europe in the Ryder Cup, his journey has been nothing short of inspiring. In this article, we dive into the story of Olesen — his roots, rise, and relevance in the global golf arena.
Thorbjorn Olesen: Early Life And Background
Olesen was born on December 21, 1989, in Furesø, Denmark. His full name is Jacob Thorbjørn Olesen, but he is widely recognized by his middle name. Olesen grew up in a modest household; his father, a construction worker, and his mother, a homemaker, were not from a sporting background. Yet, young Thorbjorn displayed a natural talent for athletics early on.
He discovered golf at the age of 7 and quickly fell in love with the game. Raised near the Hjortespring Golf Club, he spent hours perfecting his swing and mimicking the moves of his golfing idols. His parents, recognizing his potential, supported his passion wholeheartedly. Olesen pursued his early education locally while juggling a rigorous golfing schedule.
As a teenager, he emerged as one of Denmark’s most promising amateur golfers. He represented Denmark in international junior events and earned several accolades, building a strong foundation for his professional career. His impressive amateur record included participation in the Eisenhower Trophy and European Boys’ Team Championship — both critical stepping stones in his golfing journey.
When Did Thorbjorn Olesen Turn Professional?
Olesen turned professional in 2008, and his debut was nothing short of promising. His first notable appearance as a pro came on the Challenge Tour in 2009. That year, he played in several events, including the Challenge de España, where he made the cut and gained valuable experience.
Although he didn’t win in his debut season, Olesen made steady progress. His breakthrough came in 2010, when he won the Princess tournament in Sweden. This victory helped him finish third on the Challenge Tour rankings, earning his European Tour card for the 2011 season. His total earnings that year exceeded €150,000 — a strong financial and professional foundation.
Thorbjorn Olesen’s PGA Tour Career
While Olesen’s mainstay has been the European Tour, his forays into the PGA Tour have added depth to his global golfing resume. He first made headlines in the U.S. during the 2013 Masters, where he finished T6 — a stunning performance for a relatively unknown European. This marked the beginning of his PGA Tour journey.
Just BEAUTIFUL setup here from Thorbjorn Olesen
— Ryan Mouque (@ryanmouquegolf) June 7, 2025
I’ve drawn a bunch of lines that I’m looking at as a coach that may confuse you. I’m not here to confuse you. Quite the opposite so let me explain what they mean
– Line up the club shaft showing forward shaft lean
– Line up the… pic.twitter.com/Dz4q8sv630
Over the years, Thorbjorn Olesen has made over 25 starts on the PGA Tour. Though not a regular fixture compared to his European Tour schedule, he has had some impressive moments, including several top-10 finishes. One of his most notable achievements came in the 2018 Ryder Cup, where he famously defeated Jordan Spieth in singles, proving he could hold his own against golf’s biggest names.
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As of 2025, Olesen has earned over $2 million on the PGA Tour. While he is yet to clinch a PGA Tour victory, his consistent performances and international experience continue to make him a formidable contender on any course he plays.
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