Born into a sporting family, his great grandfather represented Belgium in Water Polo and Basketball at the 1920 Olympics. Started playing golf at the age of six and went on to have a successful amateur career.

Played in consecutive Junior Ryder Cups in 1997 and 1999 and twice represented Belgium at the Eisenhower Trophy. Turned professional with a plus five handicap on his 18th birthday in 2000.

Spent a decade playing between the DP World Tour and the European Challenge Tour, earning his first victories on the developmental circuit in 2009. Returned to the DP World Tour in 2010 and won his first DP World Tour title at the Volvo China Open in 2011.

Secured the biggest victory of his career at the 2012 Volvo World Match Play Championship, defeating Graeme McDowell 1Up in the final, moving into the Top 50 in the World for the first time.

His performances that year earned him a Captain’s Pick for the 2012 Ryder Cup side, as he became the first Belgian to represent Team Europe in golf’s greatest team contest. As part of the European victory dubbed the Miracle at Medinah, he produced a stellar debut performance when, in partnership with England’s Lee Westwood, he carded eight birdies and an eagle to defeat Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker in the Friday fourballs.

Won his third DP World Tour title at the 2019 Open de France at Le Golf National.

Selected as a Vice Captain for the 2023 Ryder Cup.