Gallacher eyes Ryder Cup spot

Stephen Gallacher has admitted he is determined to “fulfil a lifetime ambition” of playing in the Ryder Cup after a successful defence of the Dubai Desert Classic saw the Scot reach a career-high 37th in the rankings. Gallacher produced a sensational 28 on the back nine of his third round on his way to claim the title for a second successive year, finishing one stroke ahead of a field that included Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Henrik Stenson to cause a few shocks among Betfair punters.

The victory saw Gallacher, a nephew of former Europe captain Bernard Gallacher, climb into a Ryder Cup qualifying place and give the 39-year old a great chance of making his first appearance at the event, which will be held in Scotland for the first time since 1973.

Paul McGinley’s European team will consist of the top four players on the European points list along with the next five on the world points list as well the skipper’s three wildcard picks. The £250,000 first prize for Gallacher’s third European Tour title lifted the Scot to seventh in the Race to Dubai list and 14th in the European Ryder Cup points standings, making him an interesting bet on Betfair going into the first major of the year at Augusta.

Gallacher’s current position on the world points list means he occupies one of the spots in the team, something he is hoping to hang onto in the run-up to September’s contest at Gleneagles in Scotland, which Europe will begin as strong favourites with Betfair following their recent dominance.

“It’s the pinnacle of a golfing career to play in it. My uncle was captain three times, vice-captain twice and played in it eight times, so it would mean a lot to the family. And I think it would give the country a boost if there was a Scot in the team and we are all trying hard to get there,” Gallacher said.