Golf: Gallagher will have his day

SWANSTON NEW is set to be a "Who's Who" from the Lothians golf scene - in some cases farther afield - when its star man John Gallagher stages a special event there next Friday.

The "John Gallagher Golf Day" has been arranged by the former Scottish Amateur champion himself to raise funds for his European Tour Qualifying School bid later in the year.

"I am privileged to have great sponsors and backing from Swanston and Morisons Solicitors," said Gallagher.

"But, with the total cost of Tour School last year reaching just over 5,000 including travel, entry fee and costs, I decided to be pro-active and organise an event specifically to raise funds for that.

"In doing so, it will allow me to play more tournaments from my existing sponsorship funds."

The event is a three-man Scramble and a total of 54 teams have coughed up an entry fee of 100.

"I was overwhelmed by the response to the golf day when it sold out in just over a week," added Gallagher.

"My club sponsor, Ping, and clothing sponsor, Bunker Mentality, have been generous in providing great team prizes and with fantastic hole sponsorship everyone playing has a chance of winning a prize.

"At night we are having an auction with sporting memorabilia including signed football strips and drivers with bidders also having the opportunity to win fourballs at Gleneagles, Downfield and Dalmahoy. My dad, who is course manager at Swanston, has the course looking great and with players coming from Kent, Manchester, St Andrews and even Spain it will be great for them to experience the course and enjoy the hospitality Swanston offers guests."

Stephen Gallacher is among those supporting the event, the world No.?77 joining forces with former Scottish champion Simon Mackenzie and Mike Robson.

Current Scottish captain Scott Knowles is also heading up a team, while others taking part include Lothians stalwarts Steven Armstrong, Stuart Johnston and Joe McManus.

"We are also being joined by former Celtic goalkeeper Gordon Marshall and, of course my sponsors, Morisons and Colin McClung will be doing their best to claim a prize," said Gallagher.

"I am really honoured that Stephen Gallacher will be playing on the day. To have the support of not only my sponsors but also fellow golfers is incredible and I am looking forward to a great day."

Gallagher is playing on the Challenge Tour in Italy this week then returns to EuroPro Tour action at Burhill in a fortnight.

"I have a really busy schedule ahead with EuroPro, Optical Express Pro Tour, Open Qualifying and, hopefully, some more Challenge Tour invites in June and July," he said.

"In the past I have found having 3-4 weeks between tournaments really frustrating but there is no chance of that this year as I spent most of January planning my year to allow me to play more tournaments and build a good run of form."