When Gabriel Lindahl arrived at Stetson University to become a member of the school's men's golf team, the Saltsjöbaden, Sweden native wasn't searching for shortcuts or easy answers. He wanted a program where hard work was the expectation and improvement was part of the daily routine.
"My ambition was to join a program that was serious and hardworking," Lindahl said. "A culture that gives me the opportunity to become a better golfer every day."
That mindset has defined Lindahl's journey with the Hatters — steady, disciplined and rooted in the belief that consistent habits produce meaningful results.
Lindahl and the Hatters will be looking to turn their belief into reality this spring when they lead a 15-team tournament field at the Dorado Beach Intercollegiate in Puerto Rico in a little less than two weeks.
Built on Routine and Work Ethic
Lindahl's path to collegiate golf didn't follow a traditional route. At 15, he moved to the Swedish National School of Golf in Uppsala, where he spent three years training alongside some of the country's top young players. There, he learned that success isn't defined by a single moment, but by daily commitment.
"Routine and work ethic are virtues I regard highly," Lindahl said. "Coming prepared to practice and classes every day are necessities in the process of reaching my long-term goals."
Those habits have translated seamlessly to Stetson. Lindahl embraces the grind of practice as much as tournament play, constantly evaluating his game.
"I am learning every day, exploring my weaknesses to gain better knowledge of what I need to do moving ahead," he said.
The results have followed. During the Hatters' fall season, Lindahl was one of five Stetson golfers to post a stroke average under 73.0, finishing with a 72.5 average. He competed in three of five tournaments and recorded six rounds of par or better in eight rounds. His top finish was a share of 19th place at the West Bay Collegiate in Estero, Florida.
Growth Through Experience
Lindahl continues to build on a solid collegiate foundation. As a sophomore last season, he played in four tournaments and logged his best finish with a tie for 21st at the Daytona Beach Intercollegiate at LPGA International. His lowest collegiate round remains a 4-under-par 68 in the opening round of the ASUN Conference Championships.
Before arriving at Stetson, Lindahl spent his freshman season at Lindenwood University, where he earned Ohio Valley Conference Newcomer honor team recognition.
Family, Mentors and Influence
Behind Lindahl's discipline is a strong family foundation. His mother, Sophia, was a professional soccer player before transitioning into consulting, while his father, Sylvester, works in business. Their influence has shaped both his athletic and personal outlook.
"My parents have both been very influential in my perspective on golf and life," Lindahl said. "They have been great role models and support in making challenging decisions, as well as a guide to help me navigate a competitive athletic stage."
He also credits his high school coach, Martin Pettersson, for sharpening both his skill set and mindset.
"He has coached players who are today on the PGA Tour and has long experience coaching young golfers in Sweden," Lindahl said.
A Competitive Mindset
Lindahl's resilience was on display while representing the Swedish Golf Team at the Fairhaven Trophies in England.
"I was two shots out of the cut line coming down the last three holes of the second round," he said. "I birdied 16 and holed a 15-footer for birdie at the last to ensure my spot for the weekend. That moment characterizes my competitive mindset because I do not give up."
That approach carries over to his role within the Stetson program.
"By working hard and always trying my best, I lead by example," Lindahl said. "I show my teammates the standard, which fosters a culture of hard work and resilience."
Team Culture at Stetson
At Stetson, Lindahl has found a team environment that mirrors his values.
"Our team has great chemistry," he said. "We eat, practice and live together, so we are very close and communicate how we can develop each other to make each other better."
He believes that unity is a defining trait of the Hatters.
"This team has the will and talent to put up the results necessary to be successful," Lindahl said. "We act as a group and hold each other accountable to the standards we believe are vital to achieving our goals."
Lessons Beyond the Course
For Lindahl, golf is a reflection of life itself.
"Golf is much like life," he said. "Sometimes there are bad breaks, sometimes there are good ones. Managing these ups and downs in the best way possible leads to low scores. Becoming a better golfer also enhances my ability to do the same in life."
Looking Ahead
Lindahl's ambitions extend well beyond college golf.
"I will keep playing golf and turn pro with the ambition to play the best in the world," he said.
At the same time, he remains focused on his education.
"I wish to keep studying as well since economics is a great interest of mine, and I will explore more topics that interest me."
With a foundation built on discipline, family and an unwavering work ethic, Lindahl continues to shape his future — one routine, one round and one opportunity at a time.
Article partially generated with FanWord.
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
