ABERDEEN GIRL GEMMA MAKES DIVISION 1 TOP 100 IN US COLLEGE GOLF

Gemma Dryburgh's rookie US college season with Tulane University, New Orleans came to an end at the weekend, having failed by only one shot to qualify for the NCAA Division 1 National Championships as one of the two individual qualifiers whose teams did not qualify out of the East Regional Qualifier, the result of losing three shots on the last three holes. Despite losing out Gemma finished in an excellent 12th place, 3 over par, and the leading freshman in the field. The Aberdeen-born girl's recent form has seen her finish the season in the top 100 of the Division 1 Head to Head Player Standings, joining only 18 other freshman and three other British players, Haley Davis (16), England, Curtis Cup pick, Stephanie Meadow (18), Northern Ireland and Sally Watson(46), Scotland. http://www.golfstat.com/2011-2012/women/wncplhth.htm She took time to settle in this season and had a very average fall season. By contrast she has had a strong spring season. She narrowly missed out on her first NCAA Division 1 win through a missed putt from one foot at the UCF Challenge at Sorento, Florida and again by taking three bogeys on the final holes of the Battle at Rancho, Bernardo, San Diego. Gemma only missed out on third place finish in the East Regional Qualifier, again as a result of those three shots lost at the death. With a bit more maturity and composure in those tight situations she would surely have had her first win. However, she is still only 18 and will have benefited from the experience of being in those positions.  Gemma has entered the British Ladies at Carnoustie, former home of her late grandparents, and intends to compete in the Scottish Under 21's at Blairgowrie later in the summer. She has indicated to the Scottish selectors that, if selected for the Home Internationals, she would be willing to ask her Coach and Professors to allow her to start University one week late. John Dryburgh Scotts Atlantic London Limited  Albert Street , Aberdeen