Secured his maiden European Tour victory in 2008 with a memorable play-off victory over Rory McIlroy at the Omega European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre. Gained his European Tour card by finishing second on the Challenge Tour Rankings in 2002, the highlight of which was his victory in the Panalpina Banque Commerciale du Maroc Classic at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam. Despite playing 30 events in 2003, he could only finish 144th on the Order of Merit but regained his playing privileges for 2004 when he finished 23rd at the Qualifying School – Final Stage. Won the French Youths Championship in 1997 and spent four years on the Challenge Tour before linking up with his coach, Benoit Ducoulombier, who is also a former French Champion. Underlined his potential when sharing third place with Angel Cabrera behind winner Alex Cejka in the 2002 Trophée Lancôme in his homeland.