Had to birdie his 108th and final hole at the 2005 Qualifying School Final Stage to ensure a place on The European Tour and duly obliged with a fantastic approach to just six feet and holed the putt under huge pressure. He went on to finish 165th on the Order of Merit in 2006 and therefore did not retain his card for 2007. Has never had a coach and prefers to “work things out for myself”, even when his career was threatened by a lower back problem that persisted for two years before he discovered the solution. Had an easier ride at the 2011 Qualifying School Final Stage, where he took the 16th card after a fine four under par 68 in the sixth and final round. Played amateur golf for South Africa, competing in the Eisenhower Trophy for his country as well as winning the South African Amateur Championship in 1995.