Big in Japan, and now Gemma should set her sights on Spain’s Solheim
Gemma Dryburgh added her name to Scotland’s season of golfing success as she claimed her maiden LPGA Tour title in Japan last Sunday.
Dryburgh joined the likes of Richie Ramsay, Ewen Ferguson and Bob Macintyre in the men’s game in claiming a victory in 2022.
And it was just the boost the women’s game needed, according to former LPGA Tour winner, Kathryn Imrie.
Shenowworksasaperformance coach for Scottish Golf, so recognises the impact Dryburgh’s success can have.
“The timing of this is absolutely perfect,” Imrie told The Sunday Post from her California home.
“We all need a relevant winner, who is close to the ages of the girls who are coming through. And Gemma is someone who has come through the Scottish Golf system.
“It’s such a great boost. You can’t underestimate what an achievement this is.
“This shows that Scottish female golfers can compete against – and are – elite players. We know they are good players, so it’s then a case of focusing on your short game and your mentality.
“You really need to believe in yourself, and keep it fresh in your mind that you are good enough to compete on the world stage.
“We certainly have the talent coming through. There is Louise Duncan leading the way, although she now has to get through a difficult Q-school.
“But there is Hannah Darling and Lorna Mcclymont behind her, so Gemma’s success could not have come at a better time.”
Imrie became the first Scot to win on the biggest circuit with her triumph at the Jamie Farr Toledo Classic back in 1995.
Since then, Janice Moodie and
Catriona Matthew have followed, but Dryburgh’s is the first victory since 2011.
Having only regained her LPGA Tour card last year after coming through Q-school, the 29-yearold’s career moved to a new level with her four-stroke victory in Japan.
She was back in Florida for the Pelican Women’s Championship this weekend, but more importantly has her place assured in the season-ending Tour Championship, starting on Thursday.
And as the original Scottish pioneer, Imrie is well placed to assess what will happen next for Dryburgh.
“Any win on the LPGA Tour is huge, but for Gemma to do it against a stacked field was incredible,” she said.
“She was so calm, cool and collected under pressure. To perform like that, she has clearly been working very hard on her game.
“I always took a lot of pride about being the first Scot to win on Tour. It was the week before the US Open, and it was also against a stacked field.
“It gave me the confidence to know I could compete, I think it inspired us at the time, with Janice and obviously Catriona coming behind me.
“That victory just set me up. I had no worries about keeping my card for a couple of years, while being a winner secures you some kind of status for years to come.
“Rather than scrambling about trying to get into tournaments and fighting for your card, you have that security.
“Now Gemma can pick and choose where to play, and suddenly her focus will be more on playing and practising.”
As an LPGA winner, Dryburgh’s status within golfing circles will also change. And she can focus on a new target – the Solheim Cup.
As vice-captain to Matthew in both the victorious teams of 2019 and 2021 as well as player for Europe back in 1996, Imrie knows all about what is required and believes Gemma has put herself in contention for the match in Spain next September.
“I would definitely think she’ll be on Suzann Pettersen’s radar,” added Imrie.
“Anyone who can win on the LPGA must be in the captain’s thoughts.
“It should firmly be in Gemma’s sights but she’ll have to back it up.
“The team will be really hard to get in as it’s the 12 best players in Europe. But at least Gemma can now plan her schedule to give herself the best possible chance to make it.”