Comes from a strong tennis family with his father and brother both playing.

A member of the Ernie Els Foundation in South Africa from 2000-02. The Ernie Els Foundation benefits families of limited resources and provides educational assistance and playing opportunities in order to produce successful young leaders and develop their playing ability to its full potential. "Getting into golf is very expensive. My dad is a farmer, and in the early years things weren't going that great on the farm. But when I was 17, I managed to become a member of Ernie's Foundation in South Africa and it was unbelievable what he did for me, helping with expenses and things like that."

In 2009, founded the Louis 57 Academy at Mossel Bay Golf Club, part of the golf development program serving underprivileged children in the Mossel Bay Community in South Africa. Mossel Bay was site of his round of 57 during his amateur career on December 12, 2002.

Won numerous amateur titles before turning professional in 2002 at the age of 19.

Won the Irish Amateur Open and a member of the South African team, alongside fellow European Tour Member Charl Schwartzel, which won the World Junior Team Championships in 2000.