Shot to prominence in June 2009 when he won the US Open at Bethpage Golf Club, holding off Ricky Barnes, David Duval and Phil Mickelson for the title. Was a surprise champion, ranked 71st in the world heading into the tournament and having failed to make the cut in his three previous US Open appearances. Earlier that year he tied for third at the Buick Invitational, and two weeks after the US Open win he tied for fifth at the AT&T National. Another superb Major performance followed in August, with a fifth-place finish at the US PGA Championship at Hazeltine National.

Started playing golf at the age of three when his grandfather Dick gave him a cut-down club, and went to his first Masters Tournament as a six year old. Turned professional in 2001 after graduating from Clemson University with a communications degree and earned his PGA Tour card via the Nationwide Tour in 2003. Had to go through Qualifying School to retain his card for the 2005 season and finished 30th, 31st and 53rd on the Money List over the next three seasons. Suffered a slump in 2008 when he was outside the top 100 on the Money List at the end of the season, but bounced back in style with his first Major win in 2009. Went on to defeat the year’s other three Major Champions in the PGA Grand Slam of Golf in Bermuda.