Winner of 82 tournaments worldwide, including a record 50 titles on the European Tour. Won national opens in nine countries: the Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Great Britain, Spain, Ireland, Germany, Japan and Kenya.

Lost consciousness in Madrid, Spain, and was later diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. A month later, on October 14, 2008 underwent brain surgery to have the tumor removed. Had further surgery 10 days later. Left the hospital in December, returning to his home for rehabilitation and chemotherapy treatments. Died of brain cancer on May 7, 2011 at his home in Pedrena, Spain.