Stephen Gallacher Praises Aaron Rai’s Ryder Cup Temperament

At the ISPS Handa Senior Open Media Day at Gleneagles, former Ryder Cup player Stephen Gallacher reflected on returning to one of the most significant venues of his career, the site of the 2014 Ryder Cup.

Now preparing for his second appearance at the ISPS Handa Senior Open after an impressive T12 finish on his Senior Major debut at Sunningdale last year, Gallacher also shared his thoughts on the emergence of PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai and what his temperament could mean for Europe’s Ryder Cup future.

Gallacher believes Rai possesses many of the qualities that make an elite Ryder Cup player, particularly his calmness under pressure.

“Why would you not want to play with somebody with that temperament?” Gallacher said. “He’s such a nice guy and you want to play with a major winner as your partner because you know he’s got the minerals down the stretch.”

The Scot compared Rai’s composed and methodical nature to current European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald.

“He’s very methodical, like Luke Donald,” Gallacher explained. “He’s got his own ways and does things a bit unique, but off the course he’s a normal lad. He’s good fun, good crack, but when it’s tournament time, he’s serious.”

Gallacher sees striking similarities between the pair, both in personality and demeanour.

“Luke was somewhat like that too, very unassuming, very humble, straightforward and a hell of a player. All the top guys are the same, it’s never over until it’s over,” he added. “You’ve seen what can happen under pressure down the stretch.” he said. “We’ve all known Aaron’s a good player, but when you win tournaments like that, it takes you up another level.”

Rai’s composure during the closing stages of last week’s PGA Championship particularly impressed Gallacher, highlighting the Englishman’s ability to stay emotionally controlled in the biggest moments.

“The good thing was he didn’t show emotion because you can easily get caught up in the next hole if you do,” Gallacher said. “He’s obviously very level-headed and you can show emotion once the job’s done. You’ve got to keep your emotions in check until that last putt goes in”

It is precisely that emotional control, Gallacher believes, that separates champions from contenders.

For Gallacher, returning to Gleneagles also brings back memories of competing at the iconic Scottish venue during the 2014 Ryder Cup, one of the standout weeks of his career. Now, with another appearance at the ISPS Handa Senior Open ahead, the Scot will hope to build on last year’s strong debut showing at Sunningdale.