Ryder Cup: Jim Gallacher says his son Steven will thrive on fervent support this week
Last Updated: 25/09/14 4:49pm
A massive weekend is looming in the life of Scottish golfer Steven Gallacher at Gleneagles and his father Jim is adamant that he is ready for the challenge.
The 39-year-old will make his Ryder Cup debut this week, having been named one of captain Paul McGinley’s three wildcard selections after an impressive season, during which he won the Dubai Desert Classic for the second year in a row.
And the local boy is certain to receive raucous support at Gleneagles, which his father Jim is confident he will thrive on.
“Without a doubt, he loves it,” Jim Gallacher told Sky Sports on Thursday morning.
“I hope he hits the first ball tomorrow morning, that would get the crowd going!
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“He is feeling great and he is up for it.
“I saw him a little while ago talking to Gordon Strachan and it can’t get any better than getting advice from the Scotland manager.”
Gallacher is very familiar with the Gleneagles lay-out well, which his father thinks will be a major plus.
“He know the course like the back of his hand,” said Jim.
“(Europe team mates) Justin Rose and Ian Poulter were asking for advice the other day, which is brilliant.
“I’ll just be wishing Steven all the best, like I always do, and I think the most important thing is that he enjoys it.”
Gallacher’s uncle Bernard is a former victorious Ryder Cup captain and admitted to a few butterflies ahead of watching his nephew in action.
“I’m feeling a little bit nervous,” he admitted.
“It’s fourballs first thing tomorrow morning and I hope Steven will play in the opening matches (it was later announced he will partner Ian Poulter in the third match out).
“I spoke to Steven yesterday and he was very calm. He has got a very even temperament.
“He is actually looking forward to this, which is what you have to do.
“I just said to him yesterday that the opponent is not America, the opponent is the golf course, and you must always remember that.”
