Gemma Dryburgh, a 32-year-old Scottish golfer, is one of the talkers at the ongoing LPGA Malaysia. She fired an incredible 7-under 65 in the Maybank Classic! Following up on this great outing, she heads into the final day just one shot off the lead, currently held by South Korea’s Hye-Jin Choi. Dryburgh’s wonderful round puts her sharing second place with Italy’s Benedetta Moresco.
Teeing it up at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, Dryburgh has shone on the demanding layout. She finished her day with her seventh birdie on the 18th hole, further cementing her place as a strong competitor in the field. This isn’t her first jaunt to Malaysia. Having previously lived in New Orleans, Dryburgh is one of the players who feels most at home playing in Kuala Lumpur, where temperatures regularly exceed 30C.
“I like how the greens are kind of similar to where I play in New Orleans, grainy. So it kind of suits my eye,” said Dryburgh, reflecting on the conditions that have aided her performance.
It’s where three years ago, Dryburgh earned her lone LPGA Tour win, in Japan as well. Her victory at the Japan Classic in Shiga was her first major triumph. This week, she’ll return to Japan to race once more at that same venue. The advantage Burleson has in riding this course comes in knowing it well. Her knowledge of all things climate could win her a new crown.
Having previously gone to Tulane University in New Orleans, Dryburgh honed a special appreciation for and ability to thrive in various playing conditions. She noted that her time living with hot, humid weather had prepared her for the Malaysian climate. She went on to sketch it as a kind of “mini-Thailand.”
With Choi running away with the tournament, Dryburgh can only focus on getting closer to catch-up mode. While the competition will be tough, her performance to date indicates that she is more than ready to compete for the crown.
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