Stephen Gallacher happy to see dynasty live on after dad’s death

Stephen Gallacher returns to action this week for the first time since the death of his dad Jim, having seen the pain of his loss healed a bit by a welcome joyous occasion for his family.

Before heading down to Wales for the Celtic Classic, the fourth event on the European Tour’s new UK Swing, Gallacher, pictured, was at Bathgate Golf Club on Sunday for its finals day.

He was there to see his nephew, Oliver Henderson, play in one of the junior finals and was delighted that he come out on top, adding to the Gallacher dynasty’s title haul at the West Lothian club.

“Oliver, who is my sister Jennifer’s boy, was adamant that he wanted me to watch him,” said the four-time European Tour winner. “I’m glad I did as it was a match between two cracking kids and it was brilliant to see him do it. It was great to watch.”

Gallacher was gearing up for the Betfred British Masters, which marked the European Tour’s restart, when his dad passed away suddenly last month.

“I’d been down to Close House for a recce the week before, had played a couple of times at Dumarnie and also at The Renaissance Club, and I’d got myself sharp,” he said.

“I then had a couple of weeks where I wasn’t playing due to having to organise things before starting to pick it up again and that’s the reason I left it a bit later to come out on tour.”

In a warm tribute following his father’s death, Gallacher described him as both his “No 1 fan and biggest critic”. They shared some great times together through golf and, though his heart is still heavy, the 45-year-old feels ready to get back to work.

“I think you’ve got to get on with it and my old man would have wanted me to do that.”