Stephen Gallacher tees up in this week’s Qatar Masters, and the start of his new season already focussing on the commencement later this of the 2016 European Ryder Cup qualifying process.
The Scot is returning to competition for a first time in five weeks since sharing 12th place in the Nedbank Challenge at Sun City.
Qualifying for the 2016 Ryder Cup begins with the August 20th commencing Made In Denmark event, and after needing a ‘wildcard’ pick last year Gallacher’s determined to qualify automatically for the trip to Hazeltine.
Stephen Gallacher begins a new season already focusing on the start to 2016 Ryder Cup qualifying. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)
“I didn’t play in Abi Dhabi as I wanted to have a proper rest over the festive break but the big goal is to be fresh towards the end of the year when the Ryder Cup qualifying points start,” he said.
“I also will be focusing hard on getting my schedule right so that I can peak in certain parts of the year.
“It was great getting picked last year for the Ryder Cup but I just played too many events chasing a qualifying place, so I don’t want to go through that again next year.
“But then I am already in a better place compared to this time last year as I was only into two of the four Majors but standing here now with a day before my first event of the New Year, I am into all four.
“So it’s been a massive turnaround in the past twelve months, and besides if you are going to qualify for the Ryder Cup you need to be playing the four Majors.”
Gallacher is contesting three events in succession including next week’s defence of his double winning Dubai Desert Classic title, and the following week’s Malaysian Open.
And he will be making his second trip to the States later next month will the almost certainty of an invitation to tee up in the February 26th PGA Tour Honda Classic in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Gallacher will then compete in the following week’s WGC – Cadillac Championship whilst his management team are working on an invitation for the following week’s Valspar Championship at Tampa.
The Bathgate golfer’s first flight across ‘The Pond’ was to Carlsbad, California just after New Year and visiting for the first time the HQ of his equipment sponsor, TaylorMade (one word cap T).
“I was over in the States for four days where I was also catching up with Dave Stockton as he couldn’t see my before Christmas,” he said.
“However visiting the TaylorMade facility for a first time was just amazing, and it’s incredible the behind the scenes testing and analysis that goes on in taking up onto the first tee.
“I got fitted-up with new clubs, the new R15 driver, all the clothing I will wear this year, shoes and it’s brilliant.”
Gallacher is among eight Scots competing in Doha including former past double champion, Paul Lawrie while the inaugural 1998 Qatar Masters winner, Andrew Coltart has returned to still the only golf course in Qatar to call the shots for SKY Sports.
