Stephen Gallacher chasing a record third successive title at the 2015 Omega Dubai Desert Classic

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 Omega Dubai Desert 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 25thanniversary 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 10th, 2nd, 1st and 1st reading.

“It’s a great honour to be part of the ‘golf in DUBAi’ family of ambassadors. They have done a tremendous job in raising the golfing profile of this brilliant city. They’re lovely people and look after us so well.”

Born in 1974 at Dechmont in Scotland, Gallacher, who boasts three wins on the European Tour since turning professional in 1995, 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.

Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi, said: “Stephen is a world-class player, one whose hard word has paid off in spades as his recent achievements suggest. Like everyone, we are really impressed by his constant quest for high performance.

“A likeable character on the golf course, Stephen is doing great work through his foundation to help junior players maximize their potential through playing golf, at the same time encouraging a healthy lifestyle, while teaching them discipline, honesty and the joys of the game.

“We look forward to welcoming our defending champion back and hope that his visit will be rewarding once again.”

The Omega Dubai Desert Classic is backed by OMEGA as the title sponsor and Emirates Global Aluminium PJSC as sponsor. The co-sponsors are: CNN, Drydocks World & Maritime World, Emirates NBD, Gulf News, Jebel Ali Resorts and Hotels, Mercedes and wasl, while Dubai Duty Free, Neocasa Interiors and Motivate Publishing 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, presented the winner’s trophy to Stephen Gallacher, the 2014 Omega Dubai Desert Classic champion, at Emirates Golf Club. Mohammed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi, was also present.