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Erik Adolfsson ’11
After wrapping up a successful fall golf season, Erik Adolfsson ’11 (Hampton, N.J.) sat down and discussed what he likes about electrical and computer engineering, the importance of perseverance, and playing squash.
What’s your major and what do you like about your major?
I am an electrical and computer engineering major. I like solving tough problems and using simple parts to make complex circuits.
What has been the most unique academic experience you’ve had at Lafayette?
The most unique experience I’ve had at Lafayette was going to Lehigh Valley Grand Prix indoor go-kart track for my First-Year Seminar Entrepreneurial Environment.
What is your favorite golfing memory from your childhood?
My favorite golfing memory is my second hole-in-one when I was 12. I was in a tournament, and I hit my driver from 200 yards. I walked off the tee and one of the kids said “It went in!” I couldn’t believe it…best drive I’ve ever hit.
What can you take from golf and incorporate into everyday life?
Perseverance: You don’t always succeed the first time. It takes a lot of practice and a lot of work to be successful at something; it doesn’t happen overnight.
Talk about the difference between golfing in the fall and in the spring. Do you approach both seasons the same way?
Fall golf is usually easier because everyone comes into the season after playing all summer. The weather is better, and I usually play better. In the spring it takes a lot more work to get comfortable with my swing after taking the winter off. For the first few tournaments I usually try a shorter, slower swing to keep the ball under control. Also, it’s colder so it’s difficult to hit shots when you are bundled up.
If you had the chance to play one round at any golf course in the world, which would you choose?
I would love to play the Old Course at St Andrews. It’s the home of golf and I think that course has so much character. It’s so unique and is a truly great test of golf.
Sport you would play other than your own:
Squash: I play in the gym during the winter; it’s a lot of fun.
Something about you that others would be surprised to hear is…:
I was born in California.
Most famous person you have ever met:
I met comedian Bill Burr at one of his shows. He has been on Chappelle’s Show, and he’s hilarious.
Food you can’t live without:
Pizza: It’s so simple but so good.
Reality TV show you would have the best chance of winning:
Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader? It’s too easy.
Best vacation you ever took:
The best vacation I ever took was last spring break, when I went to Palm Springs with some guys from the golf team. The weather was perfect, the golf courses were perfect, and we had so much fun playing golf and hanging out at the condo barbecuing.
Worst weather you have ever golfed in:
2009 for our home tournament [Lafayette Invitational, April 4-5, 2009): It was 40 degrees with 30-40 mile per hour winds. Everyone was bundled up and still freezing. It was impossible. The wind was blowing the ball all over the place.
Word Association
Lafayette: Best. School. Ever.
Golf: Focus
Coach Hutnik: Mustache
Par 5: Birdie
Engineering: Challenging