Golf: Gallacher pulls out of India to spend time with family

DUBAI Desert Classic runner- up Stephen Gallacher has decided to spend some time with his family at home rather than trying to go one better in India this week.

The Lothians star had the Avantha Masters in New Delhi on his schedule when he headed out for the three events on the European Tour’s Middle East Swing.

But he’s changed his mind after sharing second spot with world No. 2 Lee Westwood behind Spaniard Rafael Cabrera-Bello in Dubai.

“I wasn’t too keen on India when I last played there and, with the kids on holiday this week, I’ve decided to head home,” said Gallacher.

The 37-year-old picked up a cheque for just under £140,000 as a reward for his highest finish for nearly six years.

It lifted him to 12th in this season’s Race to Dubai and came in the same week he won a top-of-the-range Mercedes worth a cool £60,000 for a hole-in-one in the first round.

“I am a little disappointed because I would love to have made a play-off and I had a chance of sorts at the last,” he said of missing a 15-footer. “But, on the whole, I’m happy.”

Gallacher’s next event is likely to be the Andalucia Open in the middle of next month.