Father is Scottish and mother Irish, but was born in London and aligned himself with his country of birth and residence. Studied at the University of Nevada for four years and emerged with a degree in communications. Turned professional in 1995, the year he lost the top of the little finger on his left hand when it was bitten off by an alsatian, not only leaving the finger shorter, but lacking in sensation. Has had surgery in Brazil to try and rectify the situation. A seven year legal battle against the owner of the dog ended when he was awarded £4,900 damages in the High Court in December 2002. He appealed the following year, but was unsuccessful. Graduated from the Challenge Tour in 2000 and from the Qualifying School in 2002 but failed to keep his card in both following seasons. Taught in Hong Kong and the Far East for the past couple of years before feeling confident enough in both his hand and his game to try the Qualifying School once again in 2006 where he successfully came through the Final Stage at San Roque in 24th place.