Grandmother got him started playing golf. Lists his grandmother as his hero.

Family owns a large farm in Richmond, Mo., 40 miles from Kansas City, where they grow soybeans, wheat and corn.

Coach is Jeff Southwick, his high school golf coach and seventh-grade science teacher.

Cites Payne Stewart and Travis Pastrana, a motocross rider, as his heroes. Lists playing in the Big Stakes Tournament as his biggest thrill in golf.

Loves fast boats and says he would love to own a Super Boat team one day.

Winner of the 2002 Missouri Amateur Championship. Winner of four collegiate events while playing at the University of New Mexico.

Made first start in a PGA TOUR-affiliated event at the Korn Ferry Tour's 2002 Price Cutter Charity Championship as an amateur, finishing 58th.