Stephen Gallacher, a two-time winner of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, recorded a major milestone on Thursday, when he teed off at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship – his 500th European Tour event.
The 500 club
Gallacher, a three-time winner on tour, has usually made his mark up the road in Dubai, clinching the Coffee Pot trophy in 2013 and 2014. On Thursday, he celebrated his landmark European Tour appearance with a one-under-par 71. The Scot began his European Tour career at the Scottish Open in 1993, but in reaching 500, Gallacher joins a club containing only 31 others, including Ian Woosnam, Darren Clarke, Colin Montgomerie and Sam Torrance.
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On 21 years on tour
“It is pretty special, 21 years,” said Gallacher, 42. “The only thing is I feel like I’m retired. I’m looking at all the stuff I’ve done and there’s a wee bit of life left in the old dog. But it’s been great recognition. If it was easy to do, a lot of people would have done it, but there’s not many who have.”
On his career highlights
“I would say Dubai’s definitely up there,” said Gallacher, whose breakthrough victory came at the 2004 Dunhill Links Championship. “I think getting your first win at the ‘Home of Golf’ was nice, and a couple in Dubai, the [2014] Ryder Cup. I’ve had some great highs and a few lows, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
On his funniest memory
“Every day is funny,” he said. “I’m not exactly a serious guy to be honest. But yeah, I’ve had some great times down the years. That’s why I say I’m blessed: I’ve been to some parts of the world, met some nice people, friends, doing something you love. There’s not many jobs where you can say that.”
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