Gemma Dryburgh makes solid start in bid to win back LPGA Tour card

Gemma Dryburgh got off to a promising start in her bid to come through the inaugural LPGA Q-Series '“ a 144-hole test taking place over two weeks in North Carolina.
Scotland's Gemma Dryburgh. Picture: Charlie Crowhurst/Gallo Images/Getty ImagesScotland's Gemma Dryburgh. Picture: Charlie Crowhurst/Gallo Images/Getty Images
Scotland's Gemma Dryburgh. Picture: Charlie Crowhurst/Gallo Images/Getty Images

The Aberdonian, who won a card under the old format last year but struggled to find her feet as a rookie on the US-based circuit this season, opened with a one-under-par 71 on Pinehurst No 6 to sit just a shot off the early clubhouse lead.

This year’s examination involves four rounds on Pinehurst No 6 then a further 72 holes on the No 7 course at the same venue, with the top 45 and ties earning LPGA membership for next season.

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Elsewhere, Paul O’Hara made the best start among six Scots taking part in the PGA EuroPro Tour Championship at Desert Springs in Spain.

Needing a high finish to get in the mix for five Challenge Tour cards up for offer through the third-tier circuit’s Order of Merit, O’Hara opened with a two-under-par 70 to sit joint-19th.

O’Hara, who retained his Tartan Tour Order of Merit title when finishing joint-second in the Scottish PGA Championship last week, was out in three-under before dropping his only shot of the day at the par-5 13th.

On a day when Englishman Billy Spooner set the pace with a 65, Craig Ross, Paul McKechnie and Daniel Young all carded 72s. Ross, who started the event less than £1,800 outside a card spot, dropped shots at the last two holes after getting to two-under with back-to-back birdies at the 13th and 14th.

Craig Lawrie was three-under after six but had to settle for a 74 while Ryan Campbell had a triple bogey and two double bogeys in his 81.

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