Had to return to Qualifying School to gain his card for 2010 after finishing 51st on the Order of Merit in 2009, his best finish being tied 23rd in the Jersey Seniors Classic. Produced the biggest upset victory in the history of The Senior Open Championship when he triumphed by one stroke at Royal Portrush Golf Club in July 2004. Held off American Tom Kite, Argentina’s Eduardo Romero and Mark James of England to become the first qualifier to take the coveted title since the Championship began in 1987. Started the final round with a one stroke lead and secured the trophy after brilliant up and down on the last, where he splashed out from a deep greenside trap and holed a pressure-packed 12 foot par putt. The victory also helped him finish second on the Order of Merit and take the honours as Rookie of the Year. Prior to Portrush, his biggest victory had been the 1999 PGA Senior Club Professional Championship in America, so the €237,365 he won in Northern Ireland was far and away the biggest cheque of his career. Enjoyed his best season since 2004 in 2008 when he finished fifth in the Russian Seniors Open en route to ending the campaign 29th in the Order Of Merit.