Only took up the game at age 17 but made rapid progress through the amateur ranks before turning professional six years later. Won the Alps Tour Order of Merit in 2007, winning three times en route, and made his European Challenge Tour breakthrough in the 2009 Trophée du Golf de Genève on his 29th birthday. Won again on the Challenge Tour in 2011, this time at the Allianz Golf Open de Lyon. Made a stunning breakthrough on the European Tour in March 2012 when he won the Open de Andalucía Costa del Sol in his fourth start of the season, carding a 64 in the last round to win by two from Matteo Manassero. Proved he was no one-hit wonder with victory in the 2013 Open d’Italia, thanks to a closing round of 67. Entered the Olympic Rankings on the final weekend to earn his spot in Rio.