Bernard Gallacher: I’m on the mend

In his only UK magazine interview, Bernard Gallacher has described how he was ‘lucky to have survived’ a cardiac arrest that saw him spend almost a week in intensive care last month.

Gallacher, talking exclusively to bunkered, said that it was only the quick-thinking actions of a couple of off-duty nurses and the availability of an on-site defibrillator that saved his life after he fell ill during a corporate engagement at the Marcliffe Hotel in Aberdeen.

The Scottish Ryder Cup legend, a former bunkered columnist, collapsed suddenly as a result of a rare and unexplained condition known as Sudden Death Syndrome.

“I’m not an invalid by any means… I’m on the mend.” – Bernard Gallacher

He spent five days in a medically induced coma and there were real fears that he might not pull through. However, he has surprised medical experts by making a rapid recovery and is doing so well that he is already back hitting balls on the range at Wentworth.

“I’m not an invalid by any means,” explains Bernard Gallacher. “I’ve got no problems with my heart and the doctors seem pleased with how everything is going, so I’m on the mend.”

Gallacher also reveals:

• That his wife and children kept a constant vigil at his bedside in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

• How he can remember nothing of the incident or build-up to it.

• How there were initial concerns over what damage might have been done to his brain.

• And that the many good wishes of the golf community helped pull him through.

Bernard Gallacher’s nephew, European Tour star Stephen, also spoke to bunkered and explained that his family is so appreciative for the care shown to his uncle.

“It’s amazing the recovery he has made and, as a family, we’re just so thankful to the doctors and nurses who treated him.”

Bernard Gallacher: I’m Lucky To Have Survived

Read Bernard Gallacher’s only UK magazine interview exclusively in issue 127 of bunkered. On-sale Thursday, October 31.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor