Simon returned to The European Tour International Schedule in 2005 having come through the Qualifying School.

Following on from the success of his maiden professional victory on the Challenge Tour with success in the 2002 Rolex Trophy in Geneva in August, a win which spurred him on to finish sixth in the Rankings and secure a place on The European Tour in 2003.

However, he finished the year in 166th place on the Volvo Order of Merit and played the Challenge Tour in 2004.

Coached by Stuart Morgan at the Grove, he still seeks advice from fellow Yorkshireman and boyhood hero, Howard Clark, now a Sky TV analyst.

Simon is one of the Tour’s most liked personalities and is a regular face on Sky television’s coverage due to his exciting play and engaging personality. He remains an influential figure and counts the games’ biggest names as some of his closest friends.