Fled Communist Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic) at age 9 as a refugee, traveling by foot and train, by swimming and biking with his father to Yugoslavia, Italy and Switzerland before settling in Frankfurt, Germany. Has fulfilled his lifelong dream of playing on the PGA TOUR from the hardships he and his family suffered under Communism to enjoy the freedom of opportunity in America.

Was a great ice hockey and soccer player but saw Bernhard Langer play and switched to golf.