22 Mar 2020

Jack Gallacher – ‘The best advice I’ve had from other caddies is just to back yourself and be clear’

Just under two years ago, two-time Omega Dubai Desert Classic champion Stephen Gallacher made a caddie change that raised a few eyebrows. After a missed cut at the Italian Open the Scotsman revealed that his son Jack, who was 17 and in his final year of school at the time, would become his caddie.

The duo picked up Gallacher’s first triumph in five years at last year’s Hero Indian Open and Jack puts the triumph down to the close bond that the father and son have.

“I think my biggest strength is that I can read him really well,” said Jack Gallacher. “I’m a pretty calm person so I just try and keep things relaxed, don’t add any stress.. He doesn’t need too much help, he knows mostly the shots he needs to hit and what to hit.

“I just add little tidbits if he’s struggling or if he’s unsure just to give him a bit of clarity but also give him another option and explain that option thoroughly so he can see it. It’s just simple things, he’s been there a long time so it’s just helping him if and when he needs it. We’re quite similar to be honest. He’s a pretty calm person too, he’s calm on the golf course, and he’s very good at that so when he gets in contention he just goes to his routines and that helps him under pressure.

“I think that helped us to win the 2019 Hero Indian Open. When we were walking down 18 we were actually both really relaxed – talking about if we were going to miss the Celtic and Rangers match if it went to a play-off. I know roughly from watching him for years what to say and what not to say – you don’t want to add any stress, you already know what’s at stake, so in that moment I was trying to keep us both calm.”

Gallacher also revealed the best bit of advice he had received from his fellow peers including fellow countrymen Damien Moore, who has over 33 years experience on the Tour and has previously caddied for Gallacher senior.

“The best advice I’ve had from other caddies is just to back yourself and be clear,” he said. “Don’t be a yes man, and don’t just agree with what he’s saying. You’ve got to be able to put your neck on the line but say it in the right way and always be positive with what you’re saying – not that you want to shy away from what you’re thinking or put negative thoughts in someone’s head – and always be clear and concise about that.”

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