Decided to turn professional on June 8, 2000 after an outstanding career in which he was ranked the World's Number Two amateur. Went to college at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas and has resided there for the past three years. Coached originally by his father, Phil, a registered PGA professional, but now under the wing of another Vegas resident, Butch Harmon, who also works with Darren Clarke and Tiger Woods. While still an amateur shot several course records, including a ten under par 63 in the Greg Norman Holden International in which he finished tied 37th. Also fired a ten under par 62 at Los Coyotes Country Club during the US Junior Amateur Championship. Won both the Australian and New Zealand Junior titles.

Studied communications in Nevada but dropped out after 18 months, saying; "It didn't help my golf staying at school!" Secured his European Tour card for 2001 in just eight starts as a professional, clinching his place by finishing tied sixth at the Linde German Masters in October. Won the Alfred Dunhill Championship in South Africa on first start in 2001 and had an equally bright start to 2002, winning the Qatar Masters at Doha Golf Club