The Barometer Online

Issue date: 4/27/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Annie Miles Freshman Morten Madsen has learned differences from collegiate golf and playing at amateur level in Europe. The native of Denmark found his way into Oregon State's playing lineup early in his collegiate career.

Tearing his way into the starting lineup for the Oregon State University men's golf team, the fascinating freshman Morten Madsen has found immediate success in the collegiate chapter of his golf career, despite playing 5,000 miles away from home.

The 6-foot-3-inch striker hails from Silkeborg, Denmark, where he spent most of his youth. Not a stranger to world travel, Madsen has lived in England, Singapore and even attended Tualatin High school in Portland for his senior year. Nevertheless, Denmark remains his true home, but he is quickly becoming acclimated to golf in the west.

Madsen started swinging clubs at age twelve, inspired by his father, who was a veteran with 30 years experience. At first, golf seemed like a chore to young Madsen, something to be struggled through in order to appease hopeful parents, but it did not take long for the new player to become passionate about the sport. Soon he wanted to play all day, everyday.

"I would call up my dad at work and ask if we could go play," Madsen said. "I would tell him that if he drove straight from work we could play nine holes. Then I would ride my bike to the golf course straight from school and stay there all day. I love playing with my dad and spending time with him. Golf is a good way to do that."

Madsen's incessant desire to play, coupled with his rock-solid work ethic, translated into the development of spectacular skill on the course. The newly-inspired and highly-motivated player rapidly found success at the junior and amateur level in Europe. He shot well enough to tie for third place at the prestigious 2008 European Amateur, and turned top three finishes into wins at the 2008 Houborg Open, the 2008 Wibroe Cup, 2008 Royal Tour 1, 2008 Royal Tour 2 - and his list of accolades continues.

But Madsen knew the transition to NCAA-level golf would not be an easy one for a handful of reasons. One interesting factor is the differences in golf style between Europe and America. Madsen grew up playing golf European-style, which boasts links-type courses, rather than American-style, which is famous for designed golf courses. Overcoming the transition of styles proved to be another battle Madsen would easily win.

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