Gemma’s sights are set on securing a second royal first
Gemma Dryburgh is aiming for a royal double when she makes her Major debut at the Women’s British Open at Royal Troon on Thursday.
Last month, she won the first-ever event for women professionals at Royal St George’s in the Rose Ladies Series.
Now the famous Ayrshire links is hosting its inaugural tournament for female pros, with Dryburgh ready to take on the best in the world.
The 27-year-old from Aberdeen is just sorry her parents, John and Marjory, won’t be able to follow her round the fairways.
They have always taken a keen interest in Gemma’s career.
Indeed, her dad was a lucky charm last month, caddying for his daughter both at Royal St George’s and her win the week before that at The Buckinghamshire, in the tournaments set up by Justin Rose and wife, Kate.
With no spectators allowed at Troon and her regular caddie back on duty, John will have to settle for a seat in front of the television.
“It’s amazing to play in my first Major. It’s just a shame my family can’t be there,” said Gemma.
“It’s always been a goal of mine to play in the British Open. and it’s extra special with it being at Royal Troon.
“I went to watch the men’s Open there in 2004 (won by Todd Hamilton after a play-off with Ernie Els), but I’ve never played it.
“I’m excited to try my luck at the Postage Stamp (Troon’s famous parthree eighth). I know I’ve got to avoid the bunkers on that one!
“But my mum and dad are gutted. It’s massive for them to see me reach this event, as they have been so heavily involved in my golf since I was a junior.
“It was really special to have dad caddying for me during my victories. Normally he’s 100 yards away, but he loved being so close to the action.”
The Rose Ladies Series was the perfect launchpad for Gemma, whose career has kicked on this summer.
Winning twice against leading names, like Solheim Cup stars Charley Hull and Georgia Hall, was the start.
Then in America she recorded her best-ever LPGA finish with a tie for sixth in the Drive On Championship in Ohio, which got her into the field for Troon.
“To be the first professional woman to win at Royal St George’s is something to be proud of,” admitted Gemma.
“It was set up as if for the men’s Open, and the wind was 20 to 30mph. I hit driver, three-wood into both the last two par-fours, so that shows it was a proper test.
“I was playing with Charley and Georgia that day, so beating players of that calibre was such a confidence booster.
“I took that with me to the States, and I couldn’t have asked for much more with my first top10 over there.
“That might be good enough to get me in the next two Majors, the ANA Inspiration and the Women’s PGA.
“So it was definitely worth going over for it, even if their quarantine rule was lifted with only a couple of days of my two weeks of selfisolating left!”