Europe’s Stephen Gallacher smiles during a press conference ahead of the Ryder Cup golf tournament at Gleneagles, Scotland, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) (The Associated Press)
GLENEAGLES, Scotland – As he watched the "Miracle of Medinah" unfold two years ago, Stephen Gallacher made it his career goal to play at the Ryder Cup in his native Scotland this week.
He changed everything in his life, from his mental approach to golf to his dietary habits, equipment, swing and daily routines.
The hard work paid off.
After the best season of his 19-year professional career, Gallacher earned a captain's pick for the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles and will be one of three rookies in the Europe team.
Gallacher says on Wednesday, "it was my lifetime ambition ... I'm proud that I'm sitting here."
Gallacher isn't a typical Ryder Cup rookie. He is 39, and has played on the PGA Centenary course so many times that he has been giving advice to teammates this week.
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