Fled the Czech Republic at the age of nine as a refugee, travelling with his father to Yugoslavia, Italy and Switzerland before settling in Munich. Took up golf and was scratch by the age of 16. Enjoyed phenomenal European Tour success in 1995 recording three victories, including the Volvo Masters, to finish sixth on the Order of Merit. Claimed his fourth European Tour title in 2002 when he won the Trophée Lancôme. Spent most of his time in the United States since then, coming close to winning on a number of occasions but twice finishing runner-up. Enjoyed a strong week at Pebble Beach in the 2010 US Open, claiming a share of eighth place behind Graeme McDowell, and maintained the fine form the following week in his native Germany when he tied for third place in the BMW International Open in Munich.