His form may have suffered a dip in 2010 following a solid 2009 season in which he made his way back into the winner’s enclosure with an outstanding victory at the BMW International Open in Munich, but socially it was an exciting year for the Liverpudlian. After announcing his engagement to Sky Sports golf presenter Di Stewart in the spring, the couple married on New Year’s Eve at the appropriate venue of St Andrews, scene of his 2007 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship victory.

That win capped an outstanding season which also included a further seven top tens, including joint seventh in the US Open at Oakmont Country Club, his first top ten in a Major.

Played in a second victorious Great Britain and Ireland Seve Trophy team under the captaincy of mentor Sir Nick Faldo in 2007. The six-time Major Champion recognised him as a special talent during the Faldo Series and took him under his wing.

Was a prominent member of the victorious Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup team in August 2001 and turned professional the following week.

Completed a highly successful first season on The European Tour in 2002 by finishing 36th on the Order of Merit, a performance which saw him named The Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year.