Gave up serious dirt-bike riding after an accident prior to his freshman year in high school resulted in a couple of broken bones in his foot. His father, Rod, who owns a trucking company, enjoyed riding dirt bikes and won the 1986 Baja 1000 while racing for a Yamaha team.

His middle name comes from his grandfather, Taka Tanaka.

Started playing golf at age 3.

Two-time All-America at Oklahoma State University. Named winner of the Ben Hogan Award as the nation's top collegian after his first year. Also won the Phil Mickelson Award as the nation's top freshman. Won the CIF Southern California Golf Association Reg

Was unbeaten in four matches and helped the United States defeat Great Britain at the 2009 Walker Cup. He had a 3-1 record in the 2007 Walker Cup in Northern Ireland, where he was the youngest player on the victorious U.S. team.

Winner of the Sunnehanna Amateur in 2007 and 2008, becoming only the fourth player to successfully defend a title.

Won the 2007 California Interscholastic Federation Southern California Regional for the second time by posting a 6-under 66.

Reached the quarterfinals of the 2006 U.S. Amateur.