Turned professional in 1976 and enjoyed playing privileges on the European Tour for 20 years, finishing inside the top 30 on the Order of Merit seven times. His highest ranking, fifth, came in 1986, the year he finished as runner-up to Greg Norman in The Open Championship at Turnberry. Represented Europe at The 1983 Ryder Cup and was part of the winning 1987 Dunhill Cup team alongside compatriots Howard Clark and Sir Nick Faldo.