The 27-year-old, nephew of former Ryder Cup captain Bernard, came close to claiming his maiden title when finishing second behind compatriot Andrew Coltart in the Great North Open last year.

‘‘I was delighted for Alastair,’’ said Gallacher.

‘‘He took his chance well, and I hope it will be me next.

‘‘My goal is to get myself into contention more, and the more times you do that you can start contending to win. The guys who win all the time are always up there. It becomes a habit, and it’s a good habit to get into.’’

Gallacher missed the cut last week in Dubai, three-putting three of his last six holes to fall short by two shots. He knows he needs to improve with the shortest club in the bag.

‘‘I’ve been working hard on that to try and get the stroke average down,’’ added Gallacher, a member of the victorious Walker Cup side in 1995 which defeated an American team containing Tiger Woods.

‘‘I was 157th on the putting statistics last year with an average of over 31. If I can get that down below 30 that’s two strokes a round, eight per tournament.’’

Gallacher was one behind the early clubhouse leader, Spain’s Jose Manuel Lara, who added a 69 to his opening 67 for an eight-under-par halfway total.

France’s Jean-Francois Remesy also finished on seven under, with Doncaster’s Ian Garbutt and Australian Adam Scott seven under out on the course.

Ian Woosnam earlier bogeyed his final hole, the par-five ninth, after duffing his chip from the back of the green. He second consecutive 69 left him on six-under.

Pre-tournament favourite Darren Clarke was two shots further back, after two birdies in his final four holes gave him consecutive rounds of 70.