Did not receive formal golf training until age 12.

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, attended the University of Texas where as a senior, he sank the winning putt for the Longhorns' first National Championship in 40 years in the 2012 final against Alabama. The winning Texas team also included Jordan Spieth, who was a freshman.

Challenged Spieth for Player of the Year as a senior at Texas.

Posted a 3.40 GPA as a geography major. Won the 2012 Byron Nelson Award given to the top academic golfer in the nation.

Uncle was a music professor at the University of Texas.