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Jamie Donaldson pips 2014 Ryder Cup team-mate with rousing finish in Spain
Stephen Gallacher’s hopes of landing a maiden Legends Tour win at the start of his 30th year as a professional were dashed by a rousing finish from his 2014 Ryder Cup team-mate, Jamie Donaldson, in the Staysure Marbella Legends.
In an exciting finish to the season-opener, Gallacher led after storming to the turn in four-under 32 at Aloha Golf Club and he was on course for a title triumph after then picking up birdies at the tenth, 11th and 14th.
On another day, a closing 65 for a 12-under aggregate would have been good enough to secure victory, but he was left having to settle for second spot after Donaldson birdied four of the last five holes.
Stephen Gallacher in action during the final round of the Staysure Marbella Legends | Legends TourComing home in 30, the Welshman signed off with a 64 to pip Gallacher by a shot, claiming his second over-50s’ victory after also winning the Champions UK plc Senior European Masters at La Manga in November. This success was sealed in style by him hitting a 5-iron from 205 yards to three feet for a closing birdie.
“I’m absolutely delighted,” said Donaldson, who only turned 50 in October. “I played great today and I had to, given that Stevie’s shot an amazing round as well. The shot on 18th was a tricky one - you've got to take a club that’s only just going to make it to the hole if you hit it perfectly, which, luckily, I did.”
Jamie Donaldson shows off the trophy after winning the Staysure Marbella Legends event | Legends TourDonaldson picked up €75,000 while Gallacher’s consolation was a cheque for €49,500. “Jamie’s a great player,” said the Bathgate man. “I’ve been practising with him all week so I knew he was playing well. I holed more putts today and was just giving myself chances all day. I’ve played great and it’s a great week to start the year off.”
Elsewhere, rookie Cameron Adam recorded his first top-ten finish on the DP World Tour by securing a share of ninth spot behind South African Casey Jarvis in the Magical Kenya Open presented by absa.
Meanwhile, an untimely double-bogey 6 at the final hole left Calum Fyfe having to settle for a share of third spot in the Jonsson Workwear Durban Open, won by home player Oliver Bekker.