Gemma Dryburgh to turn pro AFTER Vagliano Trophy match

By COLIN FARQUHARSON
Aberdeen-born Curtis Cup player Gemma Dryburgh, 21, runner-up in the South American women's amateur championship two years in a row, has her sights set on turning professional after she
graduates in May from at Tulane University, New Orleans.
Her father John, an executive with a North Sea oil company, says: "She's wisely keeping her options open as to exactly when. Gemma intends to play LETAS events and I think there is at least one of the Ladies' Tartan Tour events in which she can play.
"Following her meetings with Catriona Matthew, Gemma has now decided also to enter the first stage of the LPGA Tour Q School as well as the LET Q School. Hopefully, one of those routes will be successful."
Looking back on her latest experience in the South American championship which ended at Lima, Peru on Sunday, Gemma tweeted:
"Disappointing finish but lots to learn from and not a a bad start to the year."
John Dryburgh recapped
"In the final round Gemma three-putted the 16th, which was her first three putt all week, and did the same again at 17. The 18th was probable the hardest hole on the course and she didn’t get a good drive away so that was three bogeys in a row to finish - and she was still only one shot behind the winner.
"I think Gemma just ran out of steam. She had to go to hospital on Wednesday night and was diagnosed with a viral infection and was taking drugs to counteract it.
"However,she was level with the winner teeing off from the last, same as last year, and same as last year the winner came from the group ahead.
"It was hard to lose on the 72 hole for the second year in a row but there are only positives to be taken from the week. Gemma's putting was good. She made a lot of birdies and an eagle and she has been working hard on that area and is swinging well. Because she is ahead on her university course work, she is now able to go back to the States and practise full time."
+LATER NEWS: Gemma Dryburgh has told the Ladies Golf Union that she will be available for selection for the GB and I team of nine to play the Continent of Europe in the Vagliano Trophy match against the Continent of Europe at Malone Golf Club, Belfast on June 26 and 27.