Worked briefly in a City of London bank after leaving school at 16 and also worked as a barman and labourer before turning professional in 1985 at the age of 22.

Claimed his first European Tour title after coming from ten shots back to win the European Masters in 1992 with a final round of 60. Finished inside the top 100 on the Order of Merit more than a dozen times.

Became Chairman of the European Tour's Tournament Committee in 2003.

Loves Arsenal FC and horse racing and in 2005 turned to management as he took over the running of his son's football team.