Former Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher is in ''critical'' condition and being treated in a hospital in Scotland.
No other details about the 64-year-old Scot's condition have been released but his nephew, Stephen Gallacher, says ''I understand that he is critical but stable.''
Gallacher turned professional in 1967. Two years later, he became the youngest winner of the British PGA Championship at 20 years and 97 days, a record which stood until this year when Italian player Matteo Manassero won at Wentworth at 20 years and 37 days.
In 1969, Gallacher also became the youngest man to represent Britain and Ireland in the Ryder Cup. He competed in eight matches and became the non-playing captain of the European Team in 1991, `93 and `95, losing the first two contests before clinching the trophy at Oak Hill in 1995 by a single point.
''We are in touch with Bernard's wife Lesley and the Gallacher family and, obviously, we join with everyone in wishing Bernard a speedy recovery,'' said George O'Grady, the chief executive of the European Tour.
