PERSONAL
Got his start in golf from his dad—who he lists as his hero—at age 8. His dad, Sam, played golf and basketball at North Carolina State, lettering in 1965 and 1966. Both parents and his brother are graduates of North Carolina State, with his mom eventually earning a master's degree from Duke University. Brother is a teacher in Thailand.
Cites winning the 2004 Hooters Tour Championship and making it to the final stage of the 2005 and 2006 PGA TOUR National Qualifying Tournament as his biggest thrills in golf. Played high school basketball with former NBA player Bobby Jackson.
Bucket list includes playing in all four majors.
Won three times on eGolf Tour, including the 2004 Tour Championship.
Was the head Instructor at the Mike Bender Elite Golf Academy in Incheon, South Korea, in 2009. Head instructor at the Mike Bender Golf Academy in Lake Mary, FL, in 2010.