A relative unknown at the time, he had turned pro in 1992 but had difficulty earning and holding onto a PGA Tour card, and his main claims to fame were the Singapore Open victory of 1998 and a Nike (now Web.com) Tour win in 1999.
World No. 169 at the start of the PGA, he would win by two shots over another unknown, Chad Campbell, after the pair had led by three shots from 2003 Masters Champion Mike Weir after 54 holes. His win was marked by a brilliant approach to the 72nd hole, sealing victory with a 7-iron from 160 metres out of light rough that finished two inches from the cup for a birdie.