Thursday 19 January 2017 17:52, UK
Stephen Gallacher celebrated joining an elite club as he made his 500th European Tour appearance at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
The 2014 Ryder Cup star becomes only the 32nd player to achieve the milestone, and the fifth from Scotland following all-time leader Sam Torrance (706), Colin Montgomerie (605), Gordon Brand Jnr (597) and Paul Lawrie (591).
Gallacher has recorded three victories thus far in a distinguished career, including back-to-back titles at the 2013 and 2014 Omega Dubai Desert Classic, the first of which arrived nine years after his maiden title at the 2004 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
The 42-year-old, who turned professional in 1995 and made his European Tour debut the following year, fired a solid one-under 71 in Abu Dhabi before being presented a custom-made video book featuring the highlights of his career by the Tour's CEO, Keith Waters.
"It's a great honour to join the 500 club," said Gallacher. "I have had a quick look through my book and it's certainly a journey from young too old! It's cool though and a nice memento of a great milestone I suppose.
"I remember the first event and a lot of the old memories. I remember how tough it was first and foremost but we got there eventually.
"Obviously so much has changed since I started out. When I first came on Tour, there were still guys using persimmon woods. I would say the standard of golf's changed. Back in the day, it was the same guys winning all the time. But now, if you're in the field, you've got a chance.
"You know, the opportunities we've got now, and the way the Tour has grown is phenomenal. We are still growing and to be part of the latest era with the Rolex Series coming up this year is immense.
"I've had some great times down the years, and I suppose I must be a decent player to have been on Tour for so long. I think one of the biggest factors in staying on Tour is being yourself and playing the game the way that suits you.
"Another huge element to it is feeling comfortable with the lifestyle and being a part of it. Once you do that, you have a chance at longevity, like I've done. If you can do that and not take yourself too seriously then you've got a chance.
"The only problem with this award is I feel like I'm retired. I'm looking at all the stuff I've done, but there's definitely a wee bit of life left in the old dog. But it's great to get this recognition. If it was easy to do, a lot of people would have done it but there's not many people have done it."
