Started playing aged 14 before joining Alexander City Junior College, a part of Central Alabama Community College, from 1993-95. After turning professional the following year, he hit upon the idea of a creating a website to promote himself, so everything you need to know about the Pretoria-born player can be located on www.tjaart.com. Is coached by Paul Webster, father of former professional Shaun who, like van der Walt, also secured a card at the Qualifying School Final Stage in 2000. Lost his card in 2001, when his campaign was hampered by injury, and subsequently returned to his native South Africa to compete on the Sunshine Tour, finishing 12th on the Order of Merit in 2002. The following year he successfully negotiated the US PGA Tour Qualifying School, but failed to keep his card in 2004 after suffering a recurrence of a wrist injury. Was granted a medical exemption for the following year, when he narrowly missed out on collecting his first US PGA Tour victory at the Buick Championship. Closed with an eight under par round of 64 to force a play-off with Brad Faxon, who prevailed at the first extra hole. Having spent more than a decade away, he returns to The European Tour in 2012 after securing his card at the 2011 Qualifying School Final Stage, where he finished in 33rd place.