His great uncle was a founder member of his home club, Thornhill, in the Scottish borders. His sister is married to Lee Westwood.  Turned professional in 1991 and was a fixture on The European Tour between 1993 and 2007. During that period, the only time he failed to keep his card by right was at the end of the 2004 season, but his playing privileges were maintained on the strength of his position on the Career Money List. Season 2008 saw him begin the year without a full-time place on The European Tour for the first time in 16 years, but encouraging 2008 performances in Qatar, Madeira and France have given him hope of a return to the Tour next year. Career highlights have been his two European Tour victories and playing in The Ryder Cup at Brookline in 1999 after having been selected as a wild card by Captain Mark James.  In 2007 his caddie out on the European Tour was John Franks from StrokeAverage.com.  As well as playing golf on either the Challenge or Main European Tour, he is now working part time in the Media with Setanta Sports and BBC Radio so we will continue to hear his familiar accent which is similar to fellow Scot Sean Connery a.k.a. 007 - James Bond.