In an exclusive interview, Scottish golfer Gemma Dryburgh expressed her excitement and confidence as she prepares to make her Solheim Cup debut for the European team. Dryburgh, who has rapidly risen through the ranks of women’s golf, is set to compete at Finca Cortesin in Spain this week.
The 30-year-old golfer displayed unwavering self-assurance as she discussed her upcoming challenge, stating, “I know I am just as good as them,” referring to the star-studded US team that includes luminaries like Lilia Vu and Nelly Korda. Dryburgh attributes her confidence to having played alongside and against many of these players regularly over the past couple of years.
“I’m friends with a couple of the American girls, so it is not scary. I know what to expect and I know I am just as good as them, so there is no reason to fret or be scared of anyone,” Dryburgh confidently stated.
Europe, led by captain Suzann Pettersen of Norway, is considered slim favorites for the tournament as they aim for a historic third consecutive victory. Despite the formidable presence of world number two Lilia Vu and world number three Nelly Korda on the US team, Dryburgh remains unfazed.
Dryburgh’s journey to the upper echelons of women’s golf has been meteoric. Just two years ago, she was vying for an LPGA Tour card at qualifying school. Since then, she has not only surpassed the $1 million mark in career earnings on the LPGA Tour but also claimed victory at the 2022 Japan Classic. Her world ranking, currently at 54, reflects her remarkable progress.
“My goal every year is to keep improving – and I think I am,” Dryburgh asserted.
Dryburgh, one of Pettersen’s wildcard selections for the Solheim Cup, is eagerly embracing the team spirit of the event. She intends to bring camaraderie and positivity to the European team room, even suggesting some traditional Scottish ceilidh music for the Spotify playlist.
Dryburgh also emphasized the strength of Scottish golf, with both her and Robert MacIntyre set to represent Scotland in major transatlantic competitions this year. She expressed her hopes of inspiring the next generation of Scottish golfers and noted the promising talent emerging in the Scottish amateur scene.
As she gears up for her Solheim Cup debut, Gemma Dryburgh exudes confidence, determination, and a strong sense of pride in representing Scotland and European women’s golf on the international stage. Her journey from Q School to Solheim Cup contender serves as a testament to her dedication and skill, inspiring young golfers to follow in her footsteps.
