Golfer Bernard Gallacher: A Ryder Cup Firebrand
Full name: Bernard Gallacher
Date and place of birth: Feb. 9, 1949 in Bathgate, Scotland
Significant Wins
1969 W.D. & H.O. Wills Tournament
1971 Martini International
1974 Dunlop Masters
1975 Dunlop Masters
1977 Spanish Open
1979 French Open
1980 Haig Whiskey TPC
1982 Martini International
1982 Jersey Open
1984 Jersey Open
Gallacher is credited with 10 wins on the European Tour, but also won several tournaments in Africa in late 1960s/early 1970s, plus a couple European events prior to the foundation of the European Tour. He won once on the European Seniors Tour at the 2002 Mobile Cup.
In the Majors
Aside from one appearance in The Masters, Bernard Gallacher only played in the British Open among the majors. Surprisingly, he never recorded a Top 10; his best finish was a tie for 18th place.
Notable Notes: Bernard Gallacher was one of the main components of the Great Britain & Ireland Ryder Cup teams of 1969, 1971, 1973, 1975 and 1977; and the European teams of 1979, 1981 and 1983. Ryder Cup defined Gallacher's golf career, and in 1991, 1993 and 1995 he served as captain of Team Europe. The first two times were close European losses, but Gallacher captained his side to victory in 1995.
At the 1969 Cup, he beat Lee Trevino in singles; in 1979, he won four of a possible five points for his side. Gallacher also represented Scotland in five World Cups.
Gallacher turned pro in 1967 and his first wins were in Africa. He first won in Britain in 1969, when he was just 20.
Gallacher's best years were in the 1970s, when he won back-to-back Dunlop Masters, plus the prestigious Spanish Open and French Open titles.
Was considered a short-game specialist and one of the top putters in Europe. ... Won once on the European Seniors Tour. ... His nephew Stephen Gallacher plays on the European Tour. ... Daughter Kirsty is a model and golf presenter on British television.
In the following video, Gallacher discusses his Ryder Cup experiences:
