Stephen Gallacher celebrated his 40th birthday insisting he’s inspired by Miguel Angel Jimenez to remain competitive for the next decade.
It was a low key ‘Big Four Zero’ celebration for Gallacher who is contesting the BMW Masters in Shanghai other than being the very first to tee off on day three at Lake Malaren in Shanghai.
Also there was no birthday cake when he walked off well over four hours later after a round of 72, and a day after toasting 15 years of marriage.
Double Dubai winner Stephen Gallacher turns 40 and looking now over the next decade to mirror the career of Miguel Angel Jimenez. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)
The only highlight being landing a 270-yard 3-wood shot to just inches from the cup for an eagle at his seventh hole.
“I opened up all my presents before leaving home so that was nice,” he said.
“It’s been a great year leading up to my 40th what with the successful defence of my Desert Classic title and being picked to play in the winning Ryder Cup team.
“There’s also moving into the top-50 for a first time in my career and playing all the four Majors this year so it’s really been a year-long celebration.
“Then I’m also into the four Majors again next year including a second trip to Augusta so that’s something to look forward to.
“But then I’ve still a day to play here at Lake Malaren and the three remaining Play Off events remaining this year to make it my best season ever.
Gallacher is now among 30 over-40 year old’s still competing regularly on the European Tour but it’s Jimenez, and the Tour’s oldest-ever winner that Gallacher says will be an inspiration to him over the next 10 years.
“I was about 22 when I started out playing full time on the Tour and back then you’re not thinking of the fact you might still be playing at 40,” he added.
“You can only hope that when you get to 40 you are still competitive.
“But then you look at someone like Miguel who’s now 50 and it shows that you can be just as competitive at his age.
“Looking at what Miguel’s achieved, and I think he’s won like over a dozen tournaments since he turned 40, is the sort of career anyone would love to have once you’re reached 40.
“So if I could play as half as well as Miguel has this next decade then I would be really chuffed.”
