Ariel Canete was born on February 7th, 1975 in Santa Teresita, Argentina. As an amateur he won the South America Cup three times. He turned pro in 1995 but took several years before he established himself in Europe. He had two good years on the Challenge Tour in 2004 and 2005.

But it was through qualifying school that Canete earnt his European Tour card. He had a disappointing rookie season and finished 146th on the order of merit. This meant he would have to return to the Challenge Tour. Early in 2007 he won the Joburg Open in South Africa to earn a three year exemption.