Turned professional in July 2001 and gained his card for The 2003 European Tour thanks to finishing 11th on the Challenge Tour Rankings. Did not win during the 2002 season but had three top ten finishes in his opening six tournaments which provided the basis for his success, including being runner-up in the Austrian Golf Open 2002 and the Volvo Finnish Open. Played the first half of 2003 but a shoulder inury meant he did not compete again after the Nissan Irish Open in July. Played on a medical exemption in 2004. Pursued further seasons on Challenge Tour in 2005, 2006 and 2007, but had acquired an auto-immune illness which took him out of consistent competition.