Won the 2000 Qualifying School Finals by four strokes just a few days after winning the Platinum Classic in his native South Africa. Began playing with encouragement from his father, Schalk, at the age of ten. Started with two irons bought by his dad and reached scratch at 13. Elder brother, Wietz, is also a professional. Won the South African Amateur Championship in 1991 at the age of 16 years and five months beating Ernie Els's record by just 20 days. Suffered back problems in 2002 and 2003 but put all that behind him by securing this playing privileges for The 2004 European Tour International Schedule claiming the last card at the 2003 Qualifying School Finals after birdieing the final hole at Emporda.