Son of Hamburg professional, Jochen, while his uncle, Henning, also teaches the game.

First sprang to prominence in the 1989 German Open, shooting 62 while on leave from military service.

Credits Bernhard Langer for being a big help to him and spent many days as a house guest of the former Ryder Cup Captain early in his career.

Won three European Tour titles in the 1990s and enjoyed an unbroken run on Tour from 1992 until 2003 when he lost his card after finishing 136th on the Order of Merit.

Returned to The European Tour in 2007 following a successful trip to the Qualifying School – Final Stage at San Roque at the end of 2006 where he finished sixth but after finishing outside the top 115 needed to repeat the feat, which he succeeded in doing by claiming the 14th card from the 2007 School.