Stephen Gallacher’s chances of making Europe’s 2016 Ryder Cup team have been dealt a blow after he revealed a change in swing will be needed after a recent injury. (5/4 Europe, Tie 9/1, USA 4/5 – Tournament Outright)
Gallacher was part of the team that defeated their American opponents 16.5-11.5 at Gleneagles in 2014 although he failed to record a single point from the two matches played.
The 41-year-old has suffered a drastic dip in form since that Ryder Cup glory, having recorded just five top-10 finishes in his last 52 tournament appearances.
His most recent victory came at the 2014 Omega Dubai Desert Classic and he has dropped down to world number 276, a huge slide from the 31st position he held at one stage.
The Scot has been plagued with injury problems this season and he underwent an operation in March on a tendon in his left hand, initially returning to action at the end of April.
However, the Dechmont-born star suffered a recurrence of the problem and was forced to withdraw from last week’s Lyoness Open on the European Tour.
Gallacher has now revealed a revamp of his swing is required and this has now massively impacted on his chances of making the squad for Hazeltine later this year.
“I have a plan in place with my coach, Alan McCloskey, and he is confident the changes we make will also help my game in the long term,” he said.
“It means I will miss the BMW International Open in Germany and the French Open, which is a double (Ryder Cup) points event for us this year.”
Gallacher will be hoping to join the likes of Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, who is 13/2 favourite to win the Open this year, and Justin Rose in Europe’s team for the coveted event.
Odds subject to change.
