Ryder Cup: Stephen Gallacher fulfils his 'lifelong dream'

Gallacher narrowly missed out on a Ryder Cup automatic qualifying spot at the Italian Open

Scot Stephen Gallacher says being selected for the Ryder Cup is the realisation of a lifetime ambition.

The 39-year-old was named as one of European captain Paul McGinley's wildcard picks for the competition at Gleneagles later this month.

He finished just outside the automatic qualifying spots for the team.

"It's been a roller-coaster to come so close, then to wait for captain McGinley phoning me - it's fulfilled my lifelong dream," Gallacher said.

Gallacher also revealed that when the call from McGinley came, he initially thought it was a family joke.

"Every phone-call got my attention, and thankfully I had his caller ID on," Gallacher said.

"Actually my daughter was playing a game on my phone when it flashed up and she said 'there's McGinley dad' and I thought she was winding me up. We were out for a family dinner when he phoned and said 'you're in the team'.

"I said 'That's brilliant wee man'. I've known Paul all my days, we worked with Bob Torrance and just to hear him say that was fantastic.

"My goal was to finish first or second to qualify and when I didn't it was down to someone else's opinion - thankfully he fancied me for the team."

Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter were McGinley's other two wildcard picks to complete the 12-man team that will take on the United States.

Gallacher's inclusion also continues Bathgate Golf Club's association with the Ryder Cup.

The Scot grew up playing at Bathgate and another former player, Eric Brown, was a Ryder Cup captain.

Gallacher's uncle Bernard also has a long history with the competition.

"I'm chuffed to bits for family reasons," he added. "It's just great to be involved with the Ryder Cup. Eric Brown was captain, my uncle Bernard was captain, vice captain and played in it, so to even be associated with these guys at a club where I grew up playing is phenomenal."

Full Ryder Cup coverage details on the BBC