Former Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher will make a rare return to the Tartan Tour this year as one of nearly 300 golfers teeing up for the Tomatin Homecoming Single Malt Pro-Am in September.
The eight-times Ryder Cup player and three-times captain, including the famous win at Oak Hill in 1995, has confirmed he will captain one of the teams taking part in the 54-hole event, to be played at three of the Highlands’ premier links courses Castle Stuart, Royal Dornoch and Nairn from September 30 to October 2.
It’s a prime date straight after the Ryder Cup and will form part of Gallacher’s nationwide campaign to make automated external defibrillators (AEDs) widely available at golf clubs and driving ranges throughout the country.
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.
Launching the event at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society in Edinburgh, 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.”