Comes from a family with a rich sporting pedigree: grandfather was a fencing world champion; grandmother played basketball for France; mother played basketball in the French First Division; and father played football in the French Second Division. First took up golf at primary school, but initially rebelled against the game’s traditions until his teacher – a windsurfer – showed him golf could be “cool”. Soon got down to scratch and enjoyed a superb amateur career, culminating in his victory at the 2006 Amateur Championship. Turned professional after the Masters Tournament in 2007, but initially struggled with his game. Credits his switch to Alain Alberti, who also coaches Raphaël Jacquelin, for his change in fortunes. Was 72nd on the 2007 Alps Tour Order of Merit before linking up with Alberti, but won once and recorded seven top ten finishes in his last eight events to secure promotion to the 2008 Challenge Tour. Came close to capturing his first Challenge Tour title at the SK Golf Challenge, where he lost out in a play-off. Earned a debut campaign on The European Tour by finishing 16th in the 2009 Rankings – subsequently improving his category at the Qualifying School – but ended the 2010 season 122nd in The Race to Dubai and was back on the Challenge Tour in 2011. Failed to finish in the all-important top 20 in the Rankings, but did make it through the Qualifying School Final Stage again, taking the 22nd card.