Burst onto The European Tour in style, winning the 2006 Imperial Collection Russian Open on his third start as an Affiliate Member. At the time was the quickest Affiliate Member to win, beating Sergio Garcia, with whom coincidentally he shares a birthday, and Graeme McDowell, who each won on their fourth outing. It was a record subsequently beaten by SSP Chowrasia, who won on his first Affiliate Membership appearance in the 2008 EMAAR-MGF Indian Masters. Also became the third father/son combination to win in European Tour history, following Antonio and Ignacio Garrido and Craig and Kevin Stadler. Came fifth at the 2009 Qualifying School Final Stage and has enjoyed three successful subsequent seasons, nearly adding another title at the 2012 Open de España. Comes from one of the most prominent golfing families in Spain – father José Maria played in four Ryder Cup Teams (1981, 83, 85, 89) and won the World Cup with Manuel Piñero in 1982 and José Rivero in 1984, while brother Gabriel plays on the Challenge Tour. Highlights of his amateur career came during his time at Arizona State University in America where he was NCAA champion in 2003, earned All American honours four times and was involved in three winning Palmer Cup teams.