Landed his first two European Tour titles in the space of three months in a superb 2012 season, first winning the lucrative Ballantine’s Championship and then storming to victory in the Lyoness Open powered by Greenfinity in his native Austria with a stunning final round 65. Played his first season on The European Tour in 2009 after coming through the Qualifying School, but was back on the Challenge Tour in 2010. Won the ALLIANZ Golf Open de Lyon that year thanks to a course record 62 on the final day, and credited the help of his caddie, Shane, who he had borrowed from friend Branden Grace after the South African missed the cut. Later won the ALLIANZ Golf Open du Grand Toulouse and finished fifth in the Rankings. His love of skiing almost marred his career in 2003, when he broke his collarbone in an accident on the slopes, but he recovered and enjoyed a successful amateur career. Having been taught by his father, he underlined his potential by winning the Austrian Amateur Stroke Play Championship three years running from 2004, before turning professional in 2006. Occasionally has his younger brother, Niki, on the bag, and shares coaches with compatriot Markus Brier.