Stephen Gallacher becomes latest ambassador for Golf in Dubai

Promoters and organisers of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic have signed up Stephen Gallacher, one of the most naturally gifted golfers in the world, as their newest global ambassador, taking their association with international golf to a new high.

The amiable Scot, who let his swing do the talking, created history by becoming the first man to mount a successful defence of the recent Omega Dubai Desert Classic after a final round that demonstrated the value of patience, lighting up the 25th anniversary celebrations of the event.

“To defend on the 25thanniversary, with such a strong field of former champions, makes it even more special,” said Gallacher, who will promote the premier golf tournament and, in turn, the brand ‘golf in DUBAi’ on the global stage as part of a three-year partnership which extends up to 2017.

“I love Dubai, I love the tournament and it will be a great honour and privilege to be a part of the golf in DUBAi team that has done a tremendous job in raising the profile of this brilliant city on the global stage,” said Gallacher who himself has featured 14 times in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic with his recent record making an impressive 10th, 2nd, 1st and 1st reading.

“What’s happening out here in the UAE and certainly in Dubai is just so impressive to see. From my experience I can tell, Dubai is one of our favourite stops on the European Tour,” said the affable Scot who joins a celebrated roster of golfers who represent ‘golf in DUBAi’ as their ambassador, stars such as Mark O’Meara, Jeev Milkha Singh, Laura Davies, Zane Scotland and renowned coach Peter Cowen.

Having achieved the pre-season goal of breaking into the top 50 in the world, Gallacher, a three-time winner on the European Tour, is eyeing a Masters and Ryder Cup debut after finishing in a tie for sixth at the WGC-Cadillac Championship recently, a creditable achievement which placed him ‘37th in the world rankings and improved his chances of a place in Paul McGinley’s side at Gleneagles in September.

Born in 1974 at Dechmont in Scotland, Gallacher enjoyed a glittering amateur career which saw him win the Scottish match play and stroke play titles as well as the European Amateur Championship before turning professional in 1995 and winning a Tour card in his first attempt the same year.

Welcoming Gallcher to the ‘golf in DUBAi’ family of global ambassadors, Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi, commented: “Stephen is a fine player whose on-course performance creates a lot of excitement. Like everyone, we are really impressed by his outstanding golf talent, dedication and natural flair.

“He is fast becoming an influential figure in the world of golf and his constant quest for high performance is in line with Dubai’s vision of making the city the hub for all things golf. Indeed, we are honoured to have him on board.”

‘golf in DUBAi’ is backed by Omega as the title sponsor and DUBAL as the sponsor. The co-sponsors are: CNN, Drydocks World & Maritime World, Emirates NBD, Gulf News, Mercedes-Benz and wasl while Dubai Duty Free, Carpetland and Motivate are the Patrons in golf in DUBAi’s drive to showcase the emirate’s vibrant golfing scene to a worldwide audience.

Pic caption: HH Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, presenting the trophy to Stephen Gallacher, the winner of the 2014 Omega Dubai Desert Classic, as Mohammed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi, looks on at Emirates Golf Club