Fled the Czech Republic at age nine as a refugee, traveling with his father to Yugoslavia, Italy and Switzerland before settling in Munich, Germany. Took up golf, inspired by World Golf Hall of Fame member Bernhard Langer. Became a scratch player by age 16, turning pro two years later and earning his European Tour card at the sixth attempt via the Qualifying School. Collected two early victories on the European Challenge Tour before enjoying a fabulous season in 1995, earning three European Tour wins to be sixth on the Order of Merit. Won a fourth title in 2002 before moving full-time to the United States to play on the PGA Tour. Claimed his first PGA Tour win in 2015, at the Puerto Rico Open and enjoyed a rewarding top-10 at the 2016 Players Championship.