600 event milestone is no mean feat but I will work my a**e off to be successful for years to come
Gallacher has some amazing memories but he’s still ready to start making more in Dubai
STEPHEN GALLACHER has written some special story lines during his first 599 events on the European Tour.
But now he’s set to hit the 600 mark, the Scottish star isn’t about to put the pen down anytime soon.
Gallacher will join an elite band to reach such a golfing milestone when he tees-up tomorrow in the AVIV Dubai Championship.
At the age of 47, the 2014 Ryder Cup-winning star has been through highs and lows since doing shifts in a hospital to pay for his career to get going.
He has amazing memories, with a magical tale tagged to each of his four Tour wins
Gallacher’s grandad Barney was there to see him secure a first success at the home of golf when he beat Graeme McDowell in a play-off to win the 2004 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews.
He is the only man to win the Omega Dubai Desert Classic back-to-back, in 2013 and 2014, playing alongside Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods on his way to that second success.
And two years ago his triumph at the Hero Indian Open came with son Jack on the bag as caddie.
Gallacher said: “I’ll eventually look back on them all one day.
“But there’s been a story for every one of them. I remember once looking at the field for the Dunhill the year I won it and it was some line-up.
“And to win on the European Tour at St Andrews is your dream as a boy, especially a Scot, isn’t it?
“In Dubai I played with Rory and Tiger the second year and the whole family were there to see that win, which was brilliant.
“To win with Jack on the bag in India was special as well, so it’s been good, that’s for sure.
“I’d like to notch another one, which would be even nicer. I’m not going to stop now.
“I’m going to keep working my a**e off to keep going on the main tour for the next couple of years and try to have another 10 years at it mixed between the Seniors Tour and here.”
Even if he didn’t hit another ball, it will have been a brilliant career, though modest Gallacher would never say so.
He said: “I wanted to try to achieve 600 at the Dunhill but because they’d cancelled some events earlier in the year it kind of knackered my schedule for that.
“In addition to the 600 on the main tour, I also had 21 events on the Challenge Tour in 1998, the year when I was off the tour.
“There are only 13 others who have made 600 appearances so it is a pretty good feat.
“It’s been a great career and you are always hoping you can have an Indian summer as well.
“Getting the win in 2019 was good and it would be good to get another one and feel comfortable when I start playing seniors golf.
“I didn’t stay on at school because all I wanted to do was play golf. I worked in the hospital to make money so I could turn pro. I’ve been very lucky to do what I love for a career.
“I’m still fit enough and that’s key. You need three or four factors on your side to keep notching up the appearances. Look at Miguel Angel Jimenez. He’s 58 years old, so red wine and cigars it is!” There have been down times. Gallacher has had slumps, injury problems. He said: “Aye. I’ve had illnesses over the years and broken bones, needed injections and all sorts of care and attention. “But that’s part of life as a professional sportsman. I don’t think there are many guys out here who haven’t had that, especially over 25 years. “Look at Andy Murray. Look at Tiger, he’s even had his low points. It’s just sport. “I’m just trying to keep myself fit. I still hit the ball long enough. I’m still up with most of the guys out here and as long as you keep the desire to travel and everything that comes with playing professional golf, that’s the key.” Determined to give something back, Gallacher’s Foundation has given thousands of kids opportunities to get into golf. He said: “Ruben Lindsay and Connor Wilson, who played for Scotland in this year’s Home Internationals, both started with me in 2012 when it launched. “Everyone has high hopes for both of them. Girls as well as boys are coming through the foundation who are really good. “In Scotland we’ve also got Hannah Darling. She’ll be the next Leona Maguire, without a doubt.”