Gareth Maybin fired a final round 70 to finish tied for 12th, nine shots behind winner Stephen Gallacher at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic yesterday.
The Ballyclare golfer moved to 56th in the Race to Dubai standings thanks to prize money of €30,057.
It was Gallacher’s first European Tour title in eight years.
The 38 year old posted a final round one under par 71 to finish three shots clear of South African Richard Sterne, helped by a crucial eagle two – he holed a sand wedge from 115 yards – on the 16th hole.
That was his fifth eagle of the week and resulted in a three shot swing when Sterne bogeyed, returning the advantage to Gallacher, whose three shot overnight lead had been wiped out in the opening two holes.
“These days you need to do something special to win an event, and I had the perfect distance for that wedge and it came out perfectly,” Gallacher.
“I knew if it wasn’t in it would be very close.
“It’s been eight years since I last won. I’m maturing with age hopefully.
“I’ve come close a number of times over the years but there has always been someone else who’s gone one better. I’m proud of myself to finally get there.”
Sterne, who like Gallacher signed off with a 71, said: “At the start of the week you’d take second place, but having led the tournament I’m disappointed.
But all credit to Steve – he played well and made some good pars and had an unbelievable birdie on the ninth. He made the right shots and the right time, which is what you have to do to win.”
Over on the Challenge Tour, Gareth Shaw struggled on the weekend carding rounds of 80/75 in India.
Gareth finished tied for 59th in the Gujarat Kensville Challenge a distant 25 shots behind winner Shiv Kapur.
The Lurgan man will play his next event in Kenya.
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