Gallacher eyes Dubai hat trick

Dubai — A highly-focused Stephen Gallacher has set his sights on making more history with a third successive win when the Omega Dubai Desert Classic gets under way at Emirates Golf Club from January 29 to February 1.

Although South African great Ernie Els has won the title on three occasions (1994, 2002 and 2005), the record of making it two on the bounce eluded the field since the inception of the longest-running European Tour event in the region in 1989 until last year when Gallacher successfully defended his crown.

The amiable Scot, who is also a Golf in Dubai ambassador, has put himself within touching distance of completing a hat-trick of titles after an “incredible 2014,” which saw the Bathgate ace make a winning Ryder Cup debut at Gleneagles, rise to number 35 in the world and win over $2 million in prize money.

With his confidence on a new high, Gallacher believes an early success in the Dubai Classic, fondly referred to as the “Major of the Middle East,’ will put him on course for even better results as he gives the final touches to his schedule for 2015 with fitness being high on the agenda. “I love Dubai, I love the tournament and it will be great to repeat the success, but I not getting ahead of myself. I hope to play well again and see where that leaves me,” said the 40-year-old Scotsman, who is spending hours in the gym to stay fit physically and mentally.

“To defend the title in 2014, which was the 25^th anniversary of the event, was special with all the former champions in the field. Dubai is one of my favourite stops on the European Tour because there is always a lot of strength at the top of the field,” said Gallacher, whose recent record at the tournament makes an impressive 10^th, 2^nd, 1^st and 1^st reading.