At age 7, tagged along with older brother Takafumi to golf course. At age 14, moved from native Japan with family to a Tampa, Fla., golf academy to compete on junior golf circuit.

Instructor is Richard Abele, who was his legal guardian.

Did not know any English at the time he moved to the United States.

Left University of Georgia after his sophomore season.

First-team All-SEC as a freshman in 1998 and sophomore in 1999.

Helped lead the Bulldogs to their first national championship and finished runner-up to Luke Donald in the individual competition in 1999 when he was a first-team All-American. Won first collegiate title at Williams Intercollegiate in 1999. Had seven top-

Appeared as high as second in Golfweek/Titleist Men's Amateur Rankings.

Reached match-play stage of 1998 U.S. Amateur but lost in first round.

Won six tournaments on major amateur circuit–1995 Porter Cup, 1996 Azalea Amateur, Dixie Amateur and Lakewood Invitational, 1997 Palatka Azalea Amateur and Southeastern Invitational. Finalist at 1997 U.S. Public Links.

Excelled on junior level by twice being named to the AJGA All-American first team. 1995 Rolex Junior Player of the Year.