Eligible for the European Seniors Tour thanks to his win in the 1984 St Mellion Timeshare Tournament Players Championship on The European Tour where he defeated Mark James on the second play-off hole. Comes from a fine golfing family. His father, Mario, won the 1947 Spanish Open while still an amateur and one of his uncles, Priscillo Diniz, has played on the European Seniors Tour since 2000. Made his European Tour debut as an amateur in 1972 but was not a regular competitor until the 1980s. Born in Sao Paolo but later moved to America where he attended Oklahoma State University, winning the Individual title in the 1974 Eisenhower Trophy and the 1975 Sunnehanna Amateur title. After turning professional, he earned a US PGA Tour Card on two occasions, his best season coming in 1980 when he came fifth at the Greater Hartford Open on his way to finishing 123rd on the Money List. Made two appearances in the Hennessy Cognac Cup, captaining the Rest of the World side in 1984. He also represented Brazil in two World Cups, in 1978 and 1979.