Gallagher finishes 13th at Valderrama

GECKO TOUR: Former Scottish amateur champion John Gallagher finished joint-13th behind former European Tour player Carlos Rodiles in the season-ending event involving the top 40 players at Valderrama.

The Spaniard claimed victory at the tough 1997 Ryder Cup venue in southern Spain with a two-over-par 73, winning by two shots from compatriots Francisco Cea and Gervasio Merchan.

Gallagher, who has been playing on the circuit to keep his game ticking over for the start of the EuroPro Tour campaign, shot a seven-over-par 78. The Swanston New player was three-over after 12 holes before dropping four shots in a row. He picked up his only birdie of the day at the notorious 17th only to give that back with a 5 at the last.