Started golf at the age of 11 with a mission in mind - to beat his father, who wanted a competitive rival. Took him a year to succeed. Coached by Chuck Cook, who works with Tom Kite and formerly coached the late Payne Stewart. Has won "approximately 40" mini-tour events around the world. Gained his cards on the Nike, Australasian and Asian Tours. Made it four when finishing 13th in the European Tour Qualifying School in 1999. Aims to add Japan and America to his list in the future - was first alternate to the US Tour School in 1999 but didn't get in. Once played a match against fellow North Carolina native and NBA basketball hero, Michael Jordan.