Began playing golf aged 12 by caddying at Eggborough Power Station nine-hole golf course near his home at Selby in Yorkshire. He also played rugby but when 14 sustained a poisoned leg which stopped that particular career. "I wasn't any good, anyway," he says. Most of his family play golf, dad, Martin, and mum, Jenny, at Selby, while his younger sister, Emma, is a member at Fulford. Played for Yorkshire from 1987 to 1994 and won the Northern Ireland Championship in 1994, finishing second to Padraig Harrington at Royal Portrush, then winning the matchplay. Is coached by Peter Cowen but his biggest influences have been Nick Faldo (for his determination), and Fred Couples (because he is different). Is an avid follower of Formula One and soccer with Leeds United and Doncaster Rovers.