Phillip was born in Pontypridd, Wales. Before turning professional he was the leading Welsh amateur for many years, indeed he still lives in Wales with his wife Sandra and son, John Edward who travel with him on Tour a much as they can.
Having turned professional in 1989, it was really in 1997 that Phillip made his mark on the European Tour and broke into the top 50 for the first time. In fact, he has not finished outside the top 50 since then, passing the £1m mark in prize money in 1999.
Phillip had an excellent season in 2000 when he finished 8th on the final Volvo Order of Merit. The highlight of his year was finishing runner up to Tiger Woods at the World Golf Championship NEC Invitational. He also proved to be one of the most consistent players by finishing in the top 10 nine times.
Phillip has had a stronger mental approach to the game since his association with psychologist Alan Fine. A great example of this was when Phillip needed an eagle at the 36th hole to make the cut in the 1999 Fiat and Fila Italian Open. He not only made the cut but shot 63 on the last day to finish tied third.
Phillip achieved his life long ambition when he qualified for The 34th Ryder Cup Matches and made a phenomenal debut at The De Vere Belfry by beating World Number Two Phil Mickelson in the singles to secure an invaluable point for the European Team. He secured his place in the team in 2001, by winning the Algarve Open de Portugal for a second time to help underline his credentials.
Phillip is one of the most popular characters amongst the press and his fellow competitors. As well as being one of Europe’s top golfers, his profile is also rising in the United States thanks to his second place to Tiger in 2000 and his Ryder Cup performance.
2003 was Phillip’s most successful year on Tour as a professional with 6 top-10 finishes including victory at the Smurfit European Open. He finished 10thon the European Tour Order of Merit and won over �1m in prize money.
2004 saw Phillip play less in Europe and more to the USA in an effort to gain playing rights on the PGA Tour for 2005. The year ended successfully with Phil coming through Final Qualifying comfortably and he is looking forward to the forthcoming year with tremendous enthusiasm.
2005 11th FedEx St Jude Classic
2004: T5th The Heritage
T3rd Volkswagen China Masters
1st Kunming Skins
2003: Winner – Smurfit European Open
2nd Barclays Scottish Open
7th Celtic Manor Wales Open
9th Dubai Desert Classic
9th Volvo PGA Championship
10th The Open Championship
10th Canarias Open de Espana
GB&I Team Member – Seve Trophy
2002: Member of Victorious Ryder Cup Team
Defeated Phil Mickelson in Singles
3rd Victor Chandler British Masters
3rd Compass Group English Open
2001: Winner - Algarve Portuguese Open
4th Volvo PGA Championship
8th Smurfit European Open
8th Greg Norman Holden International
2000: 7th Johnnie Walker Classic
2nd Algarve Portuguese Open
2nd Alfred Dunhill Championship
8th Greg Norman Holden International
2nd Benson & Hedges International Open
5th The Celtic Manor Resort Wales Open
2nd WGC-NEC Invitational
6th Canon European Masters
6th Trophée Lancôme
Represented Wales in Alfred Dunhill Cup
1999: 2nd Qatar Masters
3rd Fiat & Fila Italian Open
1994: Winner - Portuguese Open
Represented Wales in the
World Cup of Golf in 91,94,95,97.98,99 & 00
