He won once on the DP World Tour, claiming the 1999 Portuguese Algarve Open after beating John Bickerton at the first play-off hole.
Was also a winner on the Challenge Tour, with victory in the 1996 Interlaken Open as well as the non-Tour affiliated Mauritius Open in 2006.
As part of a sponsorship deal, in his early professional years, Van wore a shirt and tie on the course and has always had a sharp dress sense!
Took up golf at the age of 11 after going past a pitch and putt course with his father, but showed skills elsewhere too – as he competing in the national Judo championships when he was 12. By 15 he was a scratch golfer and went on to line up in the 1993 Walker Cup team alongside Padraig Harrington and Bradley Dredge.