Born in Amsterdam but grew up next to a golf course in Vilamoura on the Portuguese Algarve, learning the game from his father aged eight. On his return to his native Netherlands aged 16, he decided to put to one side his other sporting interests and concentrate on realising his dream of becoming a professional golfer. Turned professional in 2003, and finished sixth in his first EDP Tour event. Subsequently joined the PGA Europro Tour and narrowly missed out on graduation to the European Challenge Tour over the next two seasons, but eventually earned his card after making the cut at the Qualifying School – Final Stage in 2005. Returned to the Final Stage three years later, and this time went one better by finishing 21st to earn a European Tour card for the first time. Still hoping to meet his golfing heroes Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo and Greg Norman. Enjoys reading in his spare time, citing Paulo Coelho as his favourite author and “The Alchemist” as his favourite book.