Gemma Dryburgh: “There are rules that will speed up the game. They just need to be forced»

Dryburgh is the only Scot in Team Europe for the Solheim Cup. Photo: AP/Kyodo News

Ahead of her first Solheim Cup, Scottish golfer Gemma Dryburgh talks to Telegraph Sport about karaoke, playing guitar and losing clubs.

Who would you like to meet, dead or alive?

I never had the opportunity to meet Arnold Palmer. I'd love to hear his stories.

Describe yourself in three words.

Funny, kind, outgoing.

If you had one superpower, what would it be?

Fly. It would be nice to get somewhere really quickly without sitting in traffic jams. In addition, my clubs would not be lost on airlines.

What's the best compliment you've ever received?

When Suzanne [Pettersen, Team Europe captain] called me and told me I had a wildcard, she told me: that I'm a very fun person, and that I'm a team-oriented person , would fit in well. So it was really nice to hear from her.

What's your worst habit?

I'm overthinking it, technically speaking. I can't help it — I'm distracted.

What moment are you most embarrassed?

We were doing a play at school — I think it was Shakespeare — and when it came to my long passage, I completely forgot the words. Complete emptiness. Everyone was in the big hall, a lot of parents and relatives were just looking at me. The silence seemed to last forever.

If you could trade your life with anyone in the world for one day, who would it be?

Definitely Beyoncé. And I wish I could be her on the day of the concert, just to know what it's like to be able to sing and dance well.

What is your favorite childhood memory?

We went on holiday to Barbados. It was magical: beaches and clear blue sea. The 2006 World Cup was on, so we watched it when we weren't snorkeling, there were fish all around us.

What's your favorite WhatsApp group?

Of course, the Europe Solheim Cup group. There was a lot of banter about this and it was a good way to bond before we even got to the course.

What is your most valuable asset?

My clubs. It's a shame when they are lost in flight. This seems to happen often. Maybe they just think, «Oh, they're just golf clubs, they can wait.» But for us professionals, they are tools of the profession.

What song makes you want to hit the dance floor?

I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston.

What is your dream three-course lunch and dinner? guests?

The appetizer will be bruschetta, the main course will be a hamburger with a fried egg on top and chips, and dessert will be banana foster, a New Orleans dish with ice cream and rum. My three guests would be Andy Murray, Barack Obama and Michael McIntyre.

If you could go on any reality show, what would it be?

I'm a Celebrity. You enjoy a challenge and, unlike SAS, you don't get yelled at.

Do you prefer a party or a party?

An evening party! What is this question?

What is the best advice you have ever received?

My golf coach once told me that it is a marathon, not a sprint, and to go on your own journey and not compare yourself. to anyone else.

What was your favorite concert?

George Michael at Wembley. It was a long time ago, my parents took me. George was great.

What's your karaoke song?

Wannabe by the Spice Girls

Dryburgh has been playing on the LPGA Tour since 2018. Photo: Getty Images/Dylan Buell What's the most ridiculous thing you've ever bought?

When I was little, I was obsessed with Disney and tried to buy everything they released. It must have been a nightmare for my parents.

If you had a time machine, would you go back in time or go to the future?

The future, just to get an idea of ​​what was going to happen. . I think it's better to leave the past behind. There's nothing you can do about it.

What is your favorite holiday?

This holiday is in Barbados. It really was beautiful.

Do you have any hidden talents or party tricks?

I can play the guitar. My favorite track is Blackbird by Paul McCartney. I was asked if I would take him to Solheim to play in the team room, but I don't think that would be right for a debutant. Maybe in the future.

What is your greatest non-sports achievement?

In America there is Club 3.0 for university students who have achieved a certain GPA. I've been there every year. I studied marketing at Tulane College in New Orleans.

What book have you ever read? What's your favorite TV show?

Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers. And job responsibilities.

What rule would you like to change in your sport?

Can we get everyone moving forward? There are actually rules that will speed up the game. They just need to be forced.

What is the most unusual thing you have ever done?

I once went to karaoke without drinking a drop. I usually didn't have the courage to do this.

If you weren't an athlete, what would you do?

I think I would still work in sports. Whether it's coaching, development or anything like that. I love sports.