Sparked emotional scenes when he became the first Portuguese player to win on home soil in the 2012 Madeira Islands Open, thanks to a stunning nine under par 63 in the final round. Started the day four shots back but romped to a four shot victory, reaching a record low 22 under par score for the tournament. The victory helped earn him the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award. Finished the season 90th in The Race to Dubai, helped also by a tied tenth place finish in the Avantha Masters in February. Came through the Challenge Tour in 2011, when he won The Princess by Schüco in Sweden and finished fourth in the Rankings. Capped a wonderful season by representing Portugal alongside his brother Hugo in the Mission Hills World Cup in China, having come through the European Qualifying Tournament in August.