Came close to securing his maiden victory when he joined Paul Lawrie and Paul McGinley in a play-off for The 2001 Celtic Manor Resort Wales Open after the tournament was reduced to 36 holes, but was edged out by McGinley at the fifth extra hole. Attracted public attention for the first time at the 1992 Open Championship won by Nick Faldo at Muirfield when he tied for 68th to take the Silver Medal awarded to leading amateur. Won the Essex Amateur Championship three times in four years. Lost a play-off for the Open de Strasbourg - La Wantzenau in September 1998. However just four days later compensation was on hand when wife, Christine, gave birth to daughter, Claudia Francesca. Captured the 15th and final card from the Challenge Tour in 1998, but was unable to hang onto it. Returned to the Qualifying School Finals for the fifth time and went away with the tenth card. Never plays a practice round. Walks the course instead to assess yardages and lines.