Burst to prominence in 1998 by winning twice on The European Tour and finishing 11th in Volvo Order of Merit. Won Moroccan Open by eight strokes to record maiden victory in Europe, following some accomplished displays on the Australasian Tour. Added TNT Dutch Open to that initial win. Dedicated victory to his close friend, Stuart Appleby, whose wife died in a motor accident earlier that week. Two ribs cut out of right shoulder in December 1993 after doctors diagnosed blood clot. Took 18 months to recover. Showed a liking for Holland in 2000 when he collected a second TNT Dutch Open title in three years, leading from start to finish and making just a solitary bogey all week. Took a six-week break after The TNT Open in 2001 when he returned home to Adelaide to get married. Has twice missed out on earning a US PGA Tour Card by one stroke at the US PGA Tour Qualifying School. Ensured a five year exemption on The European Tour however when he won the 2002 Linde German Masters at Gut Lärchenhof to round off his most successful season since 1998.