Karlstad native and paragolfer Gustav Stigsson Andersson began playing golf when he was 13. In 2025, he won a European Championship silver medal in paragolf. With that achievement, along with several other victories last year, he is now setting his sights on the 2026 season—both here in Sweden and abroad—while studying to become a Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a specialization in Energy and Environmental Engineering at Karlstad University, supported by the university’s Elite Sports University.
You compete in paragolf. What is your disability?
"My disability is that my left arm is amputated just below the elbow."
What is it like to play golf with a disability?
"I play golf using a prosthetic that I attach to the club, which allows my swing to look just like any other “normal” swing (from a technical perspective)."
What program are you studying?
"I am studying to become a Bachelor of Science in Energy and Environmental Engineering."
Why did you choose that particular program?
"I felt it was a “future-oriented” education, where there will be good job opportunities after graduation. I also studied the Technology Program in high school, specializing in community development and the environment, so Energy and Environmental Engineering was a natural next step."
What made you choose Karlstad University?
"The program I wanted was offered here, and since I live and train in Karlstad, it was a perfect fit."
You are enrolled in the Elite Sports Program at Karlstad University. What is it like to combine studies with elite-level training in your sport?
"It works perfectly for me. I travel and compete quite a lot, so I can adapt my studies and pace to fit my athletic goals. I get help with planning, handling missed exams, and more."
When do you think you will finish your degree?
"The program normally takes three years full-time. Depending on how things develop and what I feel I can combine with my sport, I will adjust the pace. My goal is to study at about 75 percent pace, so roughly four and a half years."
You won a European Championship silver medal in paragolf in 2025. What does 2026 look like for you in terms of golf?
"Even though I won several other tournaments last year, I still consider the European Championship silver to be my best result of 2025. My elite-level training continues in 2026, and I will compete in several tournaments here in Sweden as well as a number of competitions abroad!"
Read more about Elite Sports University at Karlstad University.
