Born and raised in Oyster Bay, a small suburb outside of Sydney, Australia.

At age 6, met fellow Australian Greg Norman who was the No. 1 ranked player in the world at the time, sparking his determination to becoming a professional golfer.

Learned to play golf with his father and uncle, spending most days on the course with his older brother, Brett, who is now a club professional in New Jersey. Coincidentally, Brett competed in the 2015 PGA Championship where Matt was the 36-hole leader.

First professional golf lesson was at 15 with Gary Barter, who continues to be his swing coach and mentor.

Moved to the United States in 1998 to attend Arizona State University where he was a first-team All-American.

In 2010, married Melissa Weber, who represented Idaho in Miss USA 2009.