Represented Spain as an amateur at boys, youth and senior levels. Won the Berkshire Trophy in 1989 and the French Nations Cup. Beat rising star, Sergio Garcia, at the second hole of a play-off to win the Spanish Amateur title in 1995. Turned pro in 1995 and made an early breakthrough, winning the Open de Dijon on the Challenge Tour. However, he finished 44th that season with 17,746 (£12,676) and had to go to the Qualifying School. There he birdied three of the last six holes to claim his card which he held thanks mainly to a fourth place finish in the Madeira Island Open. Receives coaching assistance from his Malaga neighbour and Ryder Cup player, Miguel Angel Jiménez. Looked to have lost his card in 2000 when he lay in 162nd on the Volvo Order of Merit with two counting events remaining, but played superbly to finish tied fifth in the BBVA Open Turespaña Masters Comunidad de Madrid and tied third in the Italian Open to keep his card in 105th position.