Gemma Dryburgh qualifies for her first US Women's Open

Scottish No 1 Gemma Dryburgh will be playing in her first US Women’s Open next month after maintaining a cracking run of form to win a qualifier for the event at Pine Needles.

Gemma Dryburgh celebrates after winning her US Women's Open qualifier.

The Aberdonian carded bogey-free rounds of 70 and 68 for a six-under total, finishing one ahead of American Sara Im in a battle for just two spots at at Dunwoody Country Club outside Atlanta.

“I couldn’t be more excited,” said Dryburgh of securing her berth in the USGA event in North Carolina.

"I’ve been trying to qualify for a while now and been close a few times but to get over the line this time was very special.

"I felt pretty calm all day surprisingly but, at the end, the realisation kicked in and I felt pretty emotional.”

The 28-year-old, who also qualified for last year’s AIG Women’s Open at Carnoustie, is playing the best golf of her career at the moment.

She’s been shooting some low scores during an encouraging run of results on the LPGA Tour, where her next assignment is this week’s Cognizant Founders Cup.

Some of Dryburgh’s fellow Scots will be hoping to join her at Pine Needles through a European qualifier, which takes place at Buckinghamshire Golf Club next week.