There’s going to be a queue for the loo at Gemma Dryburgh’s house when she gets round to buying one, but it’s all part of the new joy of being an LPGA winner for the Aberdonian.
The 29-year-old plays in the season ending CME LPGA Tour Championship in Florida this week, still happily reeling a little – and still jet-lagged – after her breakthrough victory at the Toto Classic in Japan two weeks ago.
It means Gemma is now part of the elite 60 at the LPGA Tour finale, and she has a Solheim Cup place in her sights as well. But that loo promises to be a highlight.
Not your average loo
A new toilet and a fun night out. 😂👏@gemmadryburgh has been thriving since her win at the TOTO Japan Classic. pic.twitter.com/qQoI00jGkT
— LPGA (@LPGA) November 10, 2022
A toilet from the tournament sponsor’s amazing range was one of the bonus prizes for winning in Japan, but it’s not just any old loo.
“It’s got a heated seat, an automatic bidet, a control panel and it lights up like a spaceship,” laughed Gemma, speaking from Florida. “It’s quite something.
“They had it on display and you could see it from the 18th green all week, ‘first prize’,” she added. “But I’m renting right now so I don’t have anywhere to put it in.
“They said that was fine and they could wait and get it to me when I finally buy a house. A heated seat would be good in Scotland! All my friends are queuing up to try it when they come to visit me, but I think I’ll keep it for myself.”
Gemma’s not had time to let her win settle in yet, although her mum and dad arrived in Florida from the north-east this week for a little celebration.
“It’s all been a bit of a whirlwind, coming back to the US, straight into another event last week,” she said. “Next week I’ll be able to sit down and take stock, reset a few goals.
“Another win is obviously a goal, but the Solheim Cup in Spain is definitely on the radar now. If I make a few short short-term goals, the Solheim will hopefully take care of itself.
‘I was at Gleneagles and so inspired’
“But it’s been a dream of mine for a long time. I went to watch at Gleneagles (in 2019) and was so inspired when they won there, it was fantastic.
“I was at the side of the green when Suzann (Pettersen) holed that putt, I think it was one of the great sporting moments.
“It would be amazing to be part of that in Spain next year. But in the meantime I’m focusing on the next month or so, and the start of next season.”
The win underlies the confidence Gemma now has on tour, playing with so many she admired coming through.
“In my rookie year I struggled with confidence, I saw people I’d looked up to for a long time and here I was on the range next to them. It was quite intimidating then.
“But I feel that I’m very comfortable now. The tour feels like a second home. It’s like a little family from week to week, and I’ve made some really good friends.
“At this time last year I was playing the Q School venues to get ready. Very happy not to have to do that this year! It’s amazing to look back and see how the hard work has paid off, and that’s it’s all been worth it. Hopefully I can keep pushing on to another win.”
‘It’s nice to join that club’
Gemma will be home for three or four weeks from mid-December, and has been thrilled by all the messages she’s received.
“Getting messages from Catriona (Matthews) and Kathryn Imrie were highlights, as two Scottish winners on the LPGA Tour,” she added. “It’s nice to join that club.
“But I had so many lovely messages. Kathryn has already asked me to do something with the Scottish women’s and girls teams when I’m home, and I’d love to help out.
“I know when I started it would’ve been nice to have someone who had been on tour and had done it to ask for advice. Hopefully I can inspire some more coming through.”