Recovered from the dark days of 2007, when he lost his swing and by his own admission “struggled to break 80”, to take the 20th card at the 2010 Qualifying School Final Stage, which he led after the first day courtesy of a stunning round of 63. Competing on The 2011 European Tour International Schedule alongside his stablemate and fellow Woburn Golf Club member Ian Poulter, whose clothing range he wears. Was first introduced to the game by his father aged three, but preferred football in his early years – he is a keen Manchester United fan – only to switch back to golf after breaking his knee playing county rugby as a teenager. Won twice on the collegiate circuit during his time at North Carolina State University in America, beating big-hitting Ryder Cup player Dustin Johnson in a play-off to win his first title. Cites Sir Nick Faldo’s victory at The Masters Tournament in 1996, when he overturned Greg Norman’s six-shot lead on the final day, as one of the reasons why he chose to pursue a career in golf. First met his golfing hero when he played as a junior in the Faldo Series.