Became only the second South African to win the Masters Tournament since Gary Player when he won at Augusta National in 2008, and was later that year awarded Honorary Membership of the European Tour.

In 2004 became the first South African to successfully defend his native SA Open since Gary Player in 1976-77.

Made a remarkable return to European Tour prominence in 2018 with a tied third place finish at the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open, his first top five on the Tour since his Masters triumph ten years prior.

Graduated from the European Challenge Tour in 2000.