Gallacher bags Dubai, Shiv T48

February 2, 2014: Scotsman  Stephen Gallacher  made history at 25th anniversary of Omega Dubai Desert Masters by successfully defending his title. He mustered the win even after not so impressive round of 72, but to a total score of  sixteen-under 272, which was one shot above the  Argentina’s Grillo Emiliano.

Defending Champion Stephen Gallacher who  stumbled early today with four bogeys on front nine, made a tremedous  recovery on back nine with four birdies to regain his top spot . In last 25 years of its existence, no one has successfully defended  Omega Dubai Desert Classic title. This is his third european title win.

Gallacher had a 62 here a year ago on his way to victory in the Dubai Desert Classic, just the second victory of his career to go with a 2010 Dunhill Links title.

But unlike the PGA Tour, where a victory brings an automatic invitation to the Masters, European Tour wins come with no such guarantees. Aside from high finishes in the other majors, the best way to Augusta National is through the Official World Golf Ranking.

Currently at No. 67 in the world, Gallacher is in position to climb into the top 50 by the March 30 deadline. Even without a win, he has an excellent chance of securing a spot in the WGC-Accenture Match Play and is already in the WGC-Cadillac Championship. Those tournaments will offer the opportunity to get into the coveted top 50 and earn that first trip down Magnolia Lane.

Gallacher was born in Dechmont, West Lothian and is the nephew of former European Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher.

Shiv Kapur, only Indian who played weekend at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic,  shot a final round of one-under-71 to settle with a total(72-70-70-71) four round score of 283. Kapur finished tied 48th in the last ofthe three Desert Swing events.

Rory McIlroy, leader in the first half of the tournament, slipped to 74 and ended in tied ninth. World Number One Tiger Woods carded a final round of 71 to finish in a tie for 41st on six under.