Nephew of former English Amateur Champion Terry Shingler and long-time pupil of Royal Lytham & St Annes professional, Eddie Birchenough. Loves sport on the radio and can occasionally be heard in that capacity working for Radio Five Live. Assured himself of a place among the exempt players in 1999 by finishing third behind Colin Montgomerie and Mark James in the Volvo PGA Championship at Wentworth Club. Had to fight to retain his playing privileges in 2000, occupying 112th position on the Volvo Order of Merit thanks to a fighting 12th place in his final start, the Italian Open. Ensured no such worries at the end of the 2001 season thanks to a consistent year, his best finish coming in the Novotel Perrier Open de France where he finished in a tie for second, two shots behind winner José Maria Olazábal. However, the nerves were jangling once again at the end of the 2002 season as he grabbed the 115th place on the Volvo Order of Merit, thanks to a strong finish, the highlight being a tie for fifth in the Trophée Lancôme.