Named Player of the Year in United States in 1998 after winning the Masters Tournament and the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. Wound up a spectacular season in style by beating close friend Tiger Woods in the final of the World Match Play Championship at Wentworth Club in October. Reached the final again in 1999 at the end of an otherwise disappointing year. However this time he went down 3 and 2 to Colin Montgomerie. Took up game aged 13 when family moved close to a golf course in California. Won 1979 US Amateur and turned professional following year. Won 1987 Lawrence Batley International at Royal Birkdale, twice holing full seven iron shots in the final round. Birdied last two holes to win the Green Jacket and won a play-off with Brian Watts to capture the Open title back at his favourite haunt, Royal Birkdale. Went through a fallow period but bounced back to claim his first win since 1998 at the 2004 Dubai Desert Classic.