Turned professional late in life in 1999, aged 33, soon after playing in his third Walker Cup Match and collecting the winning point for Great Britain and Ireland at Nairn. Spent several years in the building trade, working seven days a week as a bricklayer before deciding to turn pro as he felt "there was nothing else I could have done in amateur golf." Slipped to 16th on the Challenge Tour Rankings by a small matter of £281 but finished runner-up to Desvonde Botes in the Qualifying School. An avid supporter of Rangers FC, he was helped initially by members of his home club, Drumpellier, and also lottery funding.