Provided one of golf’s memorable moments in 2008 when he slipped on the riverbank at the 72nd hole of the Irish Open and inadvertently plunged into the water, before being fished out by his caddie and going on to close out a two-stroke victory. Came close to adding to his trophy haul in 2010 but had to settle for runner-up finishes in the Avantha Masters and the Open de Andalucia de Golf. Started playing at his local municipal course, Springhead Park in Hull, at the age of ten after an uncle lent him some cut down clubs. Was inspired to take up the game seriously by the epic Masters victories of Seve Ballesteros, Sir Nick Faldo and, in particular, Sandy Lyle’s 1988 success at Augusta National. Represented England at amateur level for five years from 1999, winning the Spanish Amateur Open Championship in 2000 and becoming English Amateur Champion in 2002, before turning professional in 2003. Earned his card through the Qualifying School in 2004. Something of a sports all rounder who plays football, cricket, tennis, basketball and badminton.