Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher bagged the third hole-in-one of his career, and the third in Dubai, when after birding the first three holes he pulled out a 5-iron to ace the par three, fourth hole.
Strangely, all three of Gallacher’s career have been in Dubai.
Gallacher had earned the keys to a new Mercedes-Benz for an ace earlier this year at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic and on this occasion European Tour official, Nick Tarrant who is based in Dubai, presented him with two nights stay at the stunning Atlantis Resort.
“There wasn’t that many people around except for the wee man here, Jack (11-year old son),” said Gallacher.
“Jack did all the celebrating, so he was pretty excited.”
But when they needed a golf ball for a special photo shoot, Gallacher’s caddy had already headed off the locker room.
Instead Gallacher ‘borrowed’ the signed course-recording equalling ball Jack was holding that he had been given by Gallacher’s playing partner, Sergio Garcia who shot a then course-record equallying 64 for a 14-under par tally.
Gallacher, who ended his season 35th on the money list, returns home today (Mon) but on Friday goes into hospital for a long overdue operation for a torn cartilage in his right knee.
“I’ve been putting if off for some time so I’m having the operation on Friday,” said the Scot.
“It’s just been getting that bad I can’t even bend down to read to the putts, and I’ve had to get my caddy, Damien to do that.”
However there was disappointment for Gallacher who had competed in last week’s UBS Hong Kong Open and also this week in Dubai looking to secure a place into next year’s Open Championship at Muirfield by finishing the season inside the top-30 on the Race to Dubai.
And while Gallacher shot his best round of the week of a six under par 66 on the last day he ended the year 36th on the money list.
Stephen Gallacher posing with the ball Sergio Garcia used to shoot a 64 after the Scot aced the 4th hole on the final day of the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
