Gave up the security of a club post at Salisbury and South Wilts GC, where he combined playing and teaching, to try his luck as a touring professional.

Made six visits to qualifying school before succeeding in 1994.

Secured his first European Tour victory in his 238th event in 2004 when he won the dual ranking Russian Open in Moscow and became the 300th player to win on the Tour.

The following year he won the biggest cheque of his career of €195,498 by finishing joint second at the British Masters.