Earned his a European Tour card for 2012 in dramatic fashion, holing a 40ft birdie putt at the final hole of the Qualifying School Final Stage to scrape into the top 30 on the mark. That was the second time he had come through the School, having taken the 15th card in 2009. Did not keep it in 2010, finishing 132nd in The Race to Dubai, and played a mixture of European Tour and Challenge Tour events in 2011. Son of the 1973 Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Pip Elson. Attended Augusta State University between 1998 and 2002 where he developed into a player who would become a vital cog in the 2001 Walker Cup team which defeated America 15-9. Elson took part in three matches, partnering Richard McEvoy to win one and a half points in their two foursomes matches, and took half a point in the final day singles. Turned professional in March 2003 and claimed his maiden title in his third start on the Challenge Tour at the Volvo Finnish Open. Added another six top tens to finish tenth on the Challenge Tour Rankings. Represented England at Boys, Youth and Senior levels between 1997 and 2002, was part of the 2000 winning Palmer Cup team which matches students from Great Britain and Europe against their American counterparts. Was also a part of the winning Great Britain and Ireland team against the Continent of Europe for the St Andrews Trophy in 2002, and that same year represented England alongside Gary Wolstenholme and Richard Walker in the Eisenhower Trophy.