Left his family home to take up a scholarship studying sports management for three years at the University of South Alabama in 2002. Turned professional after graduating and played for two and a half years on the NGA Hooters Tour, a developmental tour in America, winning twice.

His performances on the other side of the Atlantic led to him receiving invitations to play on the 2007 Challenge Tour, and on only his second appearance he finished in a tie for third at the Wales Challenge. Later that same year, he represented Ireland in the World Cup of Golf. Won his first Challenge Tour title at the Qingdao Golf Open in 2008.