The devoted Liverpool FC fan enjoyed a marvellous rookie season in 2012, finishing 72nd in The Race to Dubai and making the cut in two Majors having qualified for the US Open and The Open Championship. Started playing golf aged three when his grandfather took him to a local field to hit balls. Played for England Boys for two years, and was part of the Great Britain and Ireland team which won the Jacques Léglise Trophy in 2004. Spent three years in the England elite squad and took part in the Home Internationals in 2007 before turning professional the following year. Competed in 13 Challenge Tour events in 2010 and secured a full category for 2011. Hit the ground running with top ten finishes in his first two tournaments, but had to wait until October to make his breakthrough, winning the Fred Olsen Challenge de España via a play-off, a week after coming third at the Allianz Golf Open Grand Toulouse. Finished the season tenth in the Rankings. His grandfather, Ronald Ryder, represented England and Great Britain at rugby league, making his name at Warrington.