Stephen Gallacher lives 37 miles from Gleneagles and venue for this year’s Ryder Cup.

And after capturing a second straight Dubai Desert Classic crown the Scot vowed to drape a Saltire over the Ryder Cup.

Stephen Gallacher looking now to take the 37-mile drive from his home to Gleneagles and represent Europe in the Ryder Cup. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)

Gallacher set up a third Tour victory, and the first player to defend the Dubai crown, with back nine birdies to now be assured of a Masters tee time in April.

But it’s the prospect of making Paul McGinley’s European team that has thrilled him the most as he bids to follow his uncle Bernard into folklore.

Bernard enjoyed his Ryder Cup bow in 1969 and captained Europe in their 1991 and 1993 defeats before leading the side to victory in 1995 at Oak Hill.

Gallacher said: “My uncle Bernard played in the Ryder Cup eight times, captained it three times and was vice-captain twice, so I pretty much grew up watching the Ryder Cup.

“And then, when it’s only 37 miles from the house, in my generation it’s never going to be in Scotland again probably. So it’s always been a long-term goal of mine to play in a Ryder Cup.”

Bookies have slashed odds on the Linlithgow golfer making the team, with McBookie.com cutting him from 16/1 to 7/2.

“The key was to try and get myself into all the big events, the Majors,” said Gallacher.

“If you have aspirations of playing in the Ryder Cup, it’s pretty hard to qualify for the team if you’re not playing in them. But then you also need to do well in them.”