Father took him to the Open at Royal Birkdale in 1983 and he was hooked on the game. Early sporting heroes Jack Nicklaus and Sandy Lyle. Turned pro late at 22 after quitting job as an engineer in oil industry. Won the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award in 1997. Missed 13 of first 17 cuts in 1998 but secured card with sixth place in German Open.