The German started playing aged six when his grandfather introduced him to the game. Went on to have a stellar amateur career, featuring wins in the German a nd Portuguese Amateur Championships in 2012.

Also represented Europe in the Junior Ryder Cup in 2008 and 2010. Won three times in 2014 on the Challenge Tour to earn automatic promotion the European Tour. His sister Karolin is also a professional golfer and plays on the Ladies European Tour.