Stephen Gallacher Makes History in Dubai, Masters Invite Firmly in Sight

Stephen Gallacher Makes History in Dubai, Masters Invite Firmly in Sight
Stephen Gallacher has become the first man in the tournament’s 25-year history to win the Dubai Desert Classic two years in a row. The Scotsman was able to hold his nerve on Sunday after a shaky start to claim a 1-stroke victory over Argentina’s Emiliano Grillo.
 
Gallacher began Sunday’s final round 2-strokes ahead of Rory McIlroy. Four bogeys in the opening 9 holes threatened to derail the TaylorMade player, but Gallacher was able to rally on the back 9, carding 4 birdies and finishing the tournament at 16-under.
 
“It took everything I had to win today especially after the start I had when I bogeyed the first two holes,” Gallacher said afterwards. “The good thing is that I was fortunate that no one was running away with the tournament.”
 
This marks the 39-year-old’s third win on the European Tour and gives him a bump into the Top 40 in the World Rankings. For the first time in his career Gallacher has a chance of securing an invite to the Masters in April and a possible spot on Paul McGinley’s Ryder Cup team this summer. 

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