Dryburgh seeks Solheim Cup boost at St Andrews

Gemma Dryburgh is enjoying being back at St Andrews

Gemma Dryburgh is hoping a good showing at this week's Women's Open at St Andrews can help her force her way into the European Solheim Cup team to take on the United States in Virginia next month.

The 31-year-old from Aberdeen helped Europe retain the trophy in Spain last year, earning half points in her two outings as the hosts recovered from 4-0 down to tie 14-14.

Dryburgh is out of contention for an automatic qualification spot and will need to hope for a captain's pick from Suzanne Peterson.

"It's been a big goal of mine to get back on that team," she told BBC Sport Scotland. "Hopefully a good week here will maybe get me a pick.

"I'm dying to be there and keeping that at the back of my mind."

Dryburgh is well acquainted with St Andrews but has only played the famous Old Course on one previous occasion.

"I used to come here a lot as a kid," she said. "I'd go to the aquarium and the Himalayas putting green, so lots of good memories.

"At one point when I was younger, I used to know every panel under the aquarium and all the facts and figures, but I'm happy to be playing golf this time.

"You would think I would have played here more, but yes, I’m very excited. It’s the most iconic thing in golf to play at St Andrews.

"I have had it circled on my calendar for quite a few years now."

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Dryburgh plays on the LPGA Tour in the USA but was back home for last week's Scottish Open at Dundonald, where she missed the cut.

"It looks like we are going to get more bad weather, but we are prepared for it," she said.

"I was sad to miss the cut last week but came over here early on Sunday and got some good preparation in, so hopefully that will stand me in good stead.

"Having only seen it once before, it was nice to get a few more rounds in on the course and get used to it.

"It’s very different from watching on TV. Sometimes you stand on the tee and say 'where are you going?' And the caddy says you are going over there.

"It’s nice to have a local caddy who walked round with us on Sunday to give us the ins and outs. So looking forward to it."