Became the first Dutchman to win The Amateur Championship at Muirfield in 1990 and in 2000 the first Dutchman to win on The European Tour since 1947.

Came close in 1999 when beaten in a play-off for the Scottish PGA Championship at Gleneagles, then promptly landed the 2000 Qatar Masters in style.

Studied Law and Psychology before deciding to turn professional.

First amateur to qualify into the Qualifying School under the rule that a player may keep his amateur status to play in the pre-qualifiers.

Made initial progress in South Africa, after winning the Tour School there.

He went on to win four times in two seasons on the Challenge Tour and got full status in 1995.