His great uncle was a founder member of his home club, Thornhill, in the Scottish borders.

Turned professional in 1991 and was a fixture on The European Tour between 1993 and 2007. During that period, the only time he failed to keep his card by right was at the end of the 2004 season, but his playing privileges were maintained on the strength of his position on the Career Money List.

Began the 2008 season without a full-time place on The European Tour for the first time in 16 years, but encouraging performances in Qatar, Madeira and France gave him hope of a return to the Tour, a hope he fulfilled at the Qualifying School – Final Stage, where he carried his own clubs to great effect, finishing in 14th position and winning back his European Tour card.

Was back at Qualifying School in 2009, coming joint 16th to secure his playing rights in 2010. Career highlights have been his two European Tour victories and playing in The Ryder Cup at Brookline in 1999 after having been selected as a wild card by Captain Mark James.