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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