PERSONAL
After college, gave up golf for four years to work with his father in the family clothing business. During that period, athletic focus was on flag football, softball, tennis and racquetball. His return to golf was sparked by 1991 visit to Raley's Senior Gold Rush, the Champions Tour event at Rancho Murieta, Calif. After watching event, went home and built a long putter in his garage. Nearly won U.S. Mid-Amateur with homemade model later that year. Used more sophisticated version to win his three TOUR titles.
In August 1999, made a hole-in-one during first round of CVS Charity Classic immediately following ace by Lee Janzen on 17th hole at Rhode Island CC.
Inducted into California Golf Hall of Fame in 2012.
Good-luck charm he carries on course is a SpongeBob SquarePants from his daughters. First two holes-in-one came seven holes apart at age 28 at Alameda GC outside Oakland. Made first ace on the fourth hole from 165 yards. After making the turn, he recorded a second ace on the 11th hole from 178 yards.
