Came close to victory early in the 2011 season, losing a play-off to Louis Oosthuizen for the Africa Open title at East London Golf Club. Won the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award in 2009, the same year he made another fine performance at The Open Championship, coming tied third, one shot outside a play-off at Turnberry. A year earlier he burst onto the scene in the same tournament, coming tied fifth while still an amateur and winning the Silver Medal. Turned professional shortly after his Royal Birkdale heroics in July 2008 and played in eight European Tour events, his best performance coming at the Portugal Masters where he finished tied tenth. Earned his playing rights for 2009 by finishing fifth at The European Tour Qualifying School Final Stage. At 6ft 5ins matches Robert Karlsson as the tallest player on Tour.