Hand surgery will make it hard for Stephen Gallacher to claim Ryder Cup place

Stephen Gallacher’s hopes of qualifying for a second Ryder Cup appearance have suffered a blow after the Scot underwent an operation on a long-standing hand injury.

Gallacher will have his arm in a sling for 10 days and is facing at least a four-week lay-off from the European Tour, where he has made just one cut in five events this year.

“The operation was performed on Monday by Doug Campbell, a top hand surgeon,” Gallacher, who was part of the victorious European side at Gleneagles in 2014, said in a statement.

“He cut the tendon sheath away and there was a lot of inflammation. This has been bothering me since last May, when I was forced to pull out of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth before the first round.

“I’ve had cortisone injections, the latest one in December, but it’s hindered me on the course, on the practice range and also in the gym.

“It’s been a blessing really that it flared up again and has led to an operation being required as it means I can get back out there not worrying about it.”

The 41-year-old, who is 47th in the Ryder Cup qualifying standings, hopes to return to action in the Spanish Open at Valderrama next month.