Emerson gave up the security of a Golf Club position at Salisbury and South Wilts, where he combined playing and teaching, to try his luck as a touring professional. He made six visits to European Tour Qualifying School before succeeding in 1994. The following year he won the biggest cheque of his career of €195,498 by finishing joint second at the British Masters.
 
Emerson has been a member of the Legends Tour since 2013 with his top finish being fourth place at at the 2014 WINSTONgolf Senior Open.