Enjoyed a season beyond his wildest dreams in 2012, winning four times having earned his card at the 2011 Qualifying School Final Stage. Made a formidable start by capturing his maiden title in the Joburg Open on home soil, then won the prestigious Volvo Golf Champions a week later, defeating his idols Ernie Els and Retief Goosen in a play-off. Completed the hat-trick three months later at the Volvo China Open – winning by three shots from Nicolas Colsaerts – and then landed the biggest prize of the lot in capturing the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in October. Finished sixth in The Race to Dubai, a far cry from his first season, in 2009, when he was 148th. Comes from a golfing family, as he is related to Michiel Bothma and Darren Fichardt. His technique has drawn praise from the legendary Gary Player, who knows a thing or two about the game, having accrued more than 100 titles around the world. Came through the Ernie Els and Fancourt Foundation, which recognises and helps nurture youngsters with golfing talent. Enjoyed a sparkling amateur career, winning among other titles the 2006 South African Amateur Stroke Play Championship. That earned him an invitation to the 2007 South African Airways Open, where he won the Silver Medal after finishing in a tie for 40th place. Subsequently turned professional and joined the European Challenge Tour. Came close to securing his maiden title as a professional in the 2008 Ypsilon Golf Challenge by Alex Cejka, where he was beaten by Seve Benson in a play-off.