Introduced to the game by his father, first competitive tournament was at age 10.

Excelled in baseball growing up but changed focus to golf in high school.

One of two biggest thrills was winning the 1999 U.S. Amateur at Pebble Beach. The other was playing with Jack Nicklaus during the final round of the 2000 Masters. Following victory at the 1999 U.S. Amateur, was honored by the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame as its Amateur Athlete of the Year. Named Male Professional Athlete of the Year in 2001 after winning the John Deere Classic.