Was introduced to golf by his brother at the age of ten, and by 13 he was part of the German national team. Won the International German Amateur Championship in 2003 and the following year played in the Eisenhower Trophy in Puerto Rico alongside compatriots Martin Kaymer and Florian Fritsch. Made European Tour history in the 2006 Austrian Golf Open by becoming the first amateur to record an albatross. Turned professional in 2007 and finished second on the satellite EPD Tour a year later, earning a Challenge Tour card for 2009. Won seven titles in Germany subsequently, and in 2014 secured fourth place in the Pro Golf Tour order of merit to return to the Challenge Tour for 2015. Is known for his length off the tee.