Started playing golf at age five as both his father and mother played. His father is renowned in Italy as a collector of golf memorabilia, particularly old clubs and at one point had over 300 persimmon drivers in his collection. Played for the Italian team from the age of 15, his amateur highlights being playing for Italy in the European Championships and winning the World Universities Team Championship in 1990. Is also an accomplished guitarist. Gaining his European Tour card was a triumph of perseverance having attempted the Qualifying School ten times, 2002 being the fifth time he had made the Finals but the first time he had come through, gaining the 37th card. “It is a dream come true to join players such as Costantino Rocca on The European Tour,” he said.