However, it was a different story in 1999 when he was unable to play after the Volvo Scandinavian Masters in Sweden due to a thumb injury. Has a medical exemption for his first four starts in 2000. Played with Jack Nicklaus in the final round of the 1991 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, winning the amateur medal. Captured first Tour title in 1993 but suffered serious back problems throughout 1994 and underwent spinal fusion operation at the end of that year.