Who is Jacob Skov Olesen? 15 things to know about rising star contending at The Open

From greenkeeping in Denmark to contending at the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush, here are 15 key facts that chart Jacob Skov Olesen’s rise through the amateur and pro ranks.

Jacob Skov Olesen is a Danish rising star who turned professional at the end of 2024 after making headlines as one of the few amateurs to make the cut at the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon. He finished T60 that week, showcasing the composure and shot-making of a much more experienced player.

Now in 2025, Olesen is enjoying a breakthrough year on the DP World Tour is putting together another great links performance at the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush. He qualified for the 2025 Open through Final Qualifying at Burnham & Berrow, firing in rounds of 65-69 to finish second at eight under alongside England’s Harry Hall

He is one of golf’s most exciting young talents. To help you get to know him better, here are 15 key facts about his life, game, and journey so far…

15 things you didn’t know about Jacob Skov Olesen

1. Jacob Skov Olesen was born on 28 May 1999 in Roskilde, Denmark, and now lives in Copenhagen.
   
2. While in high school, he worked as a greenkeeper at Royal Copenhagen Golf Club, finishing shifts by 11.30 am so he could spend his afternoons practising.
   
3. He claimed his first international title in 2016, winning the Belgium Juniors Championship.
   
4. Between 2017 and 2019, he earned bronze medals three years in a row at the Danish Stroke Play Championships and represented Denmark at the Junior Golf World Cup.
   
5. During 2019 to 2021, he played college golf at Ranger College (NJCAA), where he fired a standout round of 63 in the High Country Shootout as a freshman.
   
6. His strong freshman season earned him the Phil Mickelson Outstanding Freshman Award in 2020.
   
7. From 2021 to 2023, he transferred to TCU for undergraduate studies before completing a master’s degree in Operations Management at the University of Arkansas, earning All-American second team and All-SEC first team honors.
   
8. In 2023, he once again represented Denmark, this time at the European Amateur Team Championship and the Eisenhower Trophy.
   
9. His breakout moment came in June 2024, when he became the first Dane to win The Amateur Championship, beating Dominic Clemons 4&3 at Ballyliffin, a win that earned him spots in the 2024 Open, 2025 Masters, and 2025 US Open.
   
10. The following month, in July 2024, he made the cut at The Open Championship at Royal Troon, finishing tied 60th and completing 18 consecutive pars in one round. The last player to do this was Nick Faldo in 1987.
    
11. Also at Royal Troon in July 2024, he met his golfing hero, Jordan Spieth, in the champions’ locker room.
    
12. In August 2024, shortly after turning pro, he finished runner-up at the Danish Golf Championship.
    
13. He officially turned professional in November 2024, securing his European Tour card through Q-School. This meant he gave up his chance to play in the 2025 Masters and US Open by turning pro
    
14. At the start of 2025, he signed with Titleist and now plays a full bag of their clubs along with the Pro V1 ball.
    
15. During a break in his own schedule in 2025, he caddied for his girlfriend, Ladies European Tour player Darcey Harry, showing support and staying close to the game from the bag side.