1996: Had rotator cuff surgery on his right shoulder in the fall. While rehabbing shoulder, began to feel pain in neck, signaling on-going problem that finally was diagnosed as a spinal-cord lesion, caused by a virus that may have settled in as long ago as 1995.

Underwent extensive physical therapy to combat numbness in his left hand and fatigue in his legs.

Finished 38th on money list in his last full season on TOUR and had four top-10s, including seconds at Honda Classic and British Open. 1994: Posted three victories, including season-ending TOUR Championship and earned a career-best $1,208,209, third on the final money list. Defeated Glen Day by three strokes at Anheuser-Busch Golf Classic, followed by one-stroke win over Kenny Perry two months later at Hardee's Golf Classic. Two victories gave him first multiple-win season since 1983. At The TOUR Championship, sank 40-foot putt on first extra hole to defeat Fuzzy Zoeller. 1989: Earned first playoff victory at Beatrice Western Open, beating Peter Jacobsen. 1988: Was hometown champion at THE PLAYERS Championship, defeating Mike Reid by four strokes.

Has made significant impact in golf-course design with Mark McCumber and Associates, design arm of McCumber Golf, which he operates with his brothers.

Designed Tournament Players Club at Heron Bay, site of the Honda Classic.