A Champion's Mindset

2014 European Ryder Cup Champion Stephen Gallacher

In this episode, I interview 2014 Ryder Cup champion, Stephen Gallacher. For more than two decades, Stephen has played professional golf on one of the most elite stages in the world and it is because of this experience that he has devoted himself to giving back to the game through the Stephen Gallacher Foundation that he started in 2012. The mission of his foundation is to grow the roots of golf more deeply in Scotland by providing increased opportunity for juniors to have access to the game. 

Stephen has played in 20 majors including 2 Masters, 4 US Opens, 8 Open Championships, and 6 PGA Championships. As well, 2014 European Ryder Cup captain, Paul McGinley, selected Stephen as one of his captain's picks to join the European squad that ultimately went on to defeating the Americans at Gleneagles Golf Club. Stephen had a dream to be able to play on this team as it would have been the first time the Ryder Cup had been on Scottish soil in over 40 years.

Going into the 2013 season, he outlined a very specific plan that would allow him to focus on playing his very best in order to earn a spot on the Ryder Cup team. Through discipline, hard work, and focus, Stephen was able to win back-to-back times in 2013 and 2014 at the Omega Dubai Classic, as well make 4 of 6 cuts in the majors in from June 2013 through to August 2014. He also had several other strong showings in tournaments during this time. 

In this episode, we dive deeply into the important roles that resilience and grit played in Stephen's career, especially after being sidelined for nearly 18 months with a debilitating autoimmune disease. Coming back stronger than ever was not only due to having a tremendous amount of gratitude for being able to play the game he loved, it was also due to the wonderful support network he had established in his personal and professional life. 

Stephen is a true gentlemen that leads by example. Whether you are a golfer or not, you are sure to find takeaway value in this episode that you can apply in your own life. ​

Click on episode photo to access this interview with Stephen Gallacher