Gemma Dryburgh makes 'hot start' in first LPGA outing as new mum

Helped by following her eye-catching opening hole with three straight birdies, the Aberdonian signed for a six-under-par 66 in the first round of the Honda LPGA Thailand event.

The splendid effort on the Old Course at Siam Country Club in Pattaya left Dryburgh sitting just one shot off the lead, shared by Japan’s Nasa Hataoka and home player Chanettee Wannasaen.

“Got off to a hot start, which is obviously nice,” said the 32-year-old. “Nice to start off the year with an eagle. Pitched in from 79 yards, so a pretty nice way to start the week.”

Dryburgh signed for a total of seven birdies, replying to being asked what had gone well in her round: “Lots of things actually. Hit the ball well off the tee. Obviously hit the ball well into the green and, yeah, I was seeing the lines on the putts as well.”

Her effort included just 26 putts, with the 2023 Solheim Cup player revealing that had been down to an equipment tweak over the winter.

“Yeah, changed putters at the end of last year, so I’m just kind of getting more used to it,” she said. “Yeah, been working a lot on it. Saw my putting coach, Nick [Soto], over the winter and kind of worked a lot on it. Yeah, see the results today.”

‘It was tough to leave them’

The Scottish No 1 and her partner, Anne-Lise Bidou, became new parents at the start of 2026, announcing the arrival of a son, Leo, in a social media post.

“Yeah, a lot,” admitted Dryburgh in reply to being asked if parenthood had changed her perspective out on tour, especially with this being her first trip away from home.

“I'm going to be away for three weeks this stretch, so it was tough to leave them, but, yeah, it will be nice to see them when I get back. It's been a big adjustment, but all for the better. Seeing him on FaceTime and stuff, so, yeah, miss him a lot.”