Born in County Offaly, his father, Brendan, was a famous Gaelic footballer who won the All-Ireland Championship with County Offaly in 1982. 

Represented Ireland in the European Amateur Team Championships, which he helped his side in 2007 and 2008.

Shot to prominence in 2009 when he became only the third amateur to win a DP World Tour title by capturing the Irish Open at County Louth.

Won the 2012 Portugal Masters and then earned the first World Golf Championships title of his career at the 2015 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.

Became just the second golfer from the Republic of Ireland to claim a Major Championship - after Padraig Harrington - in 2019 courtesy of a six-stroke triumph at The 148th Open at Royal Portrush Golf Club, where his victory sparked memorable scenes of celebration at the 18th green.

Earlier that year, he had captured his first Rolex Series title at the 2019 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA. The thrilling final round featured seven lead changes between he and Richard Sterne before a 72nd hole birdie sealed a one-shot victory for the Irishman. His stand-out 2019 saw him finish in a career-best fourth on the Race to Dubai.

Made his Ryder Cup debut in 2021 at Whistling Straits.

Earned his second Rolex Series title at the 2022 BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club, an event where he had previously enjoyed nine top 20 results, including finishing runner-up to Rory McIlroy in 2014. A birdie on the last at the prestigious Surrey venue saw him finish one stroke ahead of McIlroy and Ryder Cup teammate Jon Rahm.

Selected by Luke Donald as a Captain’s Pick for the 2023 Ryder Cup as he helped Europe regain the trophy at Marco Simone.