1987: Becomes Irish boy international.

1991: Makes Walker Cup debut.

1993: Earns second Walker Cup cap.

1995: Becomes Irish amateur champion.

Wins third Walker Cup cap.

Turns professional.

1996: Wins Spanish Open, the ninth event of his European Tour rookie season.

Finishes 11th on Order of Merit.

1997: Wins World Cup with Paul McGinley.

1999: Makes Ryder Cup debut after finishing second in last two qualifying events.

2002: Misses out on Open play-off by bogeying final hole.

Wins second Ryder Cup cap and wins Dunhill Links a week later.

Beats Tiger Woods to win Target Challenge in America.

2004: Collects third Ryder Cup cap.

2005: Misses Open after death of father.

Records two wins in America.

2006: Makes fourth Ryder Cup appearance.

Wins European Order of Merit.

Bogeys last three holes to lose US Open by two.

2007: Comes from six back to win Open in play-off against Sergio Garcia.

2008: Overcomes wrist injury to win Open again, becoming the first European to make a successful defence of The Open since James Braid in 1906.