The Yorkshireman had won just over Euro 9,800 (£7,000) and looked in danger of losing his card in 1998 when he went to Kungsängen for the Volvo Scandinavian Masters. However, a career-best cheque of Euro 70,098 (£50,070) ensured his status among the elite this season as he finished third behind Jesper Parnevik. Finished 123rd in the Volvo Order of Merit in 1999 but overcame a heavy cold and a cut right index finger - caused opening a can of beans - to win back his card at the Qualifying School, birdieing the last two holes to do so. His brother-in-law, an accountant, set up a company to raise sponsorship money to enable him to fund his career after losing his card in 1993.