Ryder Cup hero Gallacher lines up for Tomatin pro-am

Bernard Gallacher (right) with Jennifer Nicol, Tomatin marketing manager (left), and Stephen Bremner, Tomatin sales director (centre).

Former Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher is to lead a field of nearly 300 golfers teeing up for the Tomatin Homecoming Single Malt Pro-Am over three of Scotland’s most renowned links courses later this year.

Gallacher played in eight Ryder Cups and was captain three times, including a victory at Oak Hill in 1995.

He has confirmed he will captain one of the 70-plus teams taking part in the 54-hole event, played at Castle Stuart Golf Links, Royal Dornoch Golf Club and The Nairn Golf Club from 30 September to 2 October, just a few days after this year’s Ryder Cup.

Money raised during the tournament will support a nationwide campaign Gallacher launched in December to make automated external defibrillators (AEDs) widely available at golf clubs and driving ranges in the UK and Ireland.

In August last year Gallacher, suffered a cardiac arrest and spent several days in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary after falling ill at a function in the city. He credits the quick thinking of hotel staff and the availability of a defibrillator at the venue where he was due to speak for helping his recovery.

He said: “I am looking forward to playing three of my favourite courses and would like to thank Tomatin for giving us all the opportunity to enjoy this experience.”

The prestigious annual Tomatin Pro-Am contest is estimated to generate about £200,000 for the Highland economy.

It is open to teams from anywhere in the world consisting of three amateurs (ladies or gentlemen) plus a professional of their choice. Teams that do not include a pro are allocated a leading player from the Professional Golfers’ Association Scotland Order of Merit.

Stephen Bremner, Tomatin’s sales director, said: “We are delighted that Bernard Gallacher is leading a team in the Pro-Am this year as his worldwide reputation will add to the prestige of this competition.

“The tournament is already popular with professional and amateur golfers alike as it is played over three of Scotland’s best links courses, and Bernard’s involvement raises the event’s status to another level. 

“The UK is a key market focus for us this year. In the last five years we have experienced 40 per cent growth in volume and 158 per cent in value, and for this reason sponsorship of a prestigious UK event such as this is an excellent fit for us.

“Our distillery is a significant Highland tourist attraction, receiving over 20,000 visitors per year from all parts of the globe. We are working with these three premium courses in order to support the overall marketing of the Highlands as a vibrant tourist destination.”

Brian Mair, secretary of The PGA in Scotland, expressed his gratitude to Tomatin for their continued support of this great event, now in its third year. He said: “In this momentous year for Scottish golf, the Tomatin Homecoming Single Malt Pro-Am will be a fitting event to follow the Ryder Cup, a real celebration of all that is great in Scotland – great golf and wonderful whisky.”