Background
He was born in Armitage, near Lichfield in Staffordshire, and grew up and was educated in nearby Rugeley.
He was born in Armitage, near Lichfield in Staffordshire, and grew up and was educated in nearby Rugeley.
He finished the 2009 season ranked in the top thirty of the Race to Dubai.
He joined the European Tour as an affiliate member in 2003 and has remained a member ever since. His breakthrough season was 2009, when he managed three second place finishes, including at the Irish Open, where he tied for first place but lost to Irish amateur Shane Lowry in a three-hole playoff. He made his United States. Open debut the following week, having qualified via a European sectional qualifying event.
Because of difficulties in obtaining a visa, he only arrived in the United States at 3:30am on the Thursday morning, less than 12 hours before the start of his round.
Despite this, he managed an under-par opening round of 70 and finished tied for 23rd place at 3 under par. He entered the final round at 11 under par, tied for the lead with Tiger Woods, but outshone the American on Sunday to shoot a 2 under round of 70 to claim victory.
He has written a column for the worldgolf.com website. He is one of a few professional golfers that does not wear a hat while he plays, despite the sponsorship income it can bring.
European Tour wins (2) DNP = did not play CUT = missed the half-way cut "T" = tied Yellow background for top-10.
Summary Most consecutive cuts made – 3 (2010 Open Championship – 2011 Open Championship) Longest streak of top-10s – 1 Professional Seve Trophy (representing Great Britain & Ireland): 2009 (winners), 2011 (winners) Driver: Taylor Made R11 3 wood: Callaway Tour-X 13 deg Aldila Nevada-70-X Tour Velvet Ribbed. Irons: Callaway X-Forged 2-PW Dynamic-Gold-X100 Tour Velvet Ribbed. Wedges: Callaway X-Tour Forged 52 deg, 58 deg Cleveland CG14 black pearl wedge.
Putter: Odyssey White Hot.
Bag: Club SBM. Ball: Titleist Pro - V1 x. Glove: Footjoy.