Bathgate’s Stephen Gallacher rapid rise up rankings earns him Stateside dream ticket

Aug 12 2010 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

STEPHEN GALLACHER has shot up an incredible 295 places in the world rankings in just three months and the Kingsfield Golf centre professional can barely believe it himself.

Gallacher was a lowly 391st in the world as recently in May before a stunning return to form catapulted him into the top 100 places — and with it a dream ticket into the USPGA Championship.

He is one of only three Scots in the field this year but after three top-ten finishes in a row at Wentworth, Celtic Manor and Madrid, followed by a similar finish at Loch Lomond and a share of 23rd place at the Open, he has every chance of making a splash.

Gallacher jetted off to Wisconsin this week where he reckons he can make an impact on the tournament.

He said: “The past three months have been among the best of my career.

“I am not going to put myself under pressure by making predictions about what I can achieve in the States.

“My initial aim is to make the cut and if I do that I am capable of putting myself in contention.

“It’s my intention to try and play stress-free golf and I hope that will be good enough for me to do well.”