He initially struggled to keep his tour card, finishing 117th on the Order of Merit in each of his first two seasons.

121st place the following year meant limited playing opportunities in 1998, but after regaining full playing status via qualifying school his performances improved, finishing 70th on the money list in 1999 and then a career best 27th in 2000.

A disappointing 2001, where he played just 11 events and finished 132nd on the money list, meant another season with fewer tournament invitations in 2002.

He made the most of the invites he did receive with three top 10 finishes, including the Canarias Open de España where he was joint runner up, to end the season in 52nd place on the Order of Merit and regain his European Tour card.

[1] Despite his relatively small stature, Canonica has topped the European Tour driving distance statistics several times.