PERSONAL
At age 7, severed tendon in left thumb and only has about 70 percent of average flexibility in it.
Contracted Lyme disease on a hunting trip in 1991 and several years later was diagnosed as having neurological damage in his left hand, a hereditary condition known as a benign essential tremor. After several unsuccessful attempts with various medications, he underwent nine hours of brain surgery in March 2005 to correct the problem. Known as DBS (deep brain stimulation), doctors implanted an electrode in the brain which is attached to a surgically implanted, battery-operated medical device called a neurostimulator in his upper chest which corrected the problem.
Also underwent spinal fusion surgery on his neck in 2001.
Credits the late Sam Snead and J.C. Snead, long-time friends, with helping his game along through practice rounds and time on the range.
Says he admires friend Ben Crenshaw for the World Golf Hall of Famer being the "consummate gentleman.".
Continues to work with his life-long teacher, Art Kraft.
Was voted the 1990 Georgia Professional Athlete of the Year.
In 1991, began carrying specially designed golf bag that featured a picture of a missing child from the area where tournament was being played. Someone saw his bag at the Masters, recognized the child and called the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children. The child was eventually recovered.
Lists Harbour Town GL and Cypress Point GC as his favorite courses.
Enjoys watching "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and reruns of "Seinfeld." Enjoys barbecue, and says "Jeremiah Johnson" is his favorite movie.
Lives part-time in Hamilton, MT.
Carries a rabbit's foot on his golf bag for good luck.
At completion of 2006 season, underwent triple-hernia surgery.