KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Scottish golfer Gemma Dryburgh finished the first round of the Maybank Classic just one stroke behind the leader, Hye-Jin Choi, after shooting a remarkable 7-under 65 on March 15, 2024. With this performance, Dryburgh positions herself for a potential second LPGA Tour victory in Asia, following her first and only win in Japan three years ago.
Dryburgh’s stellar play included seven birdies, capped off by a successful putt on the 18th hole at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. Choi, the first-round leader, recorded an impressive 64, highlighted by an eagle on the par-5 third hole and another birdie on the 18th. Trailing Dryburgh in a tie for second place is Italy’s Benedetta Moresco, who also finished the round with a score of 66.
Dryburgh Thrives in Humid Conditions
Reflecting on her performance, Dryburgh remarked, “It was a very stress-free round.” Despite the hot and humid conditions in Malaysia differing from her native Scotland, Dryburgh noted that her current residence in New Orleans helped her adapt. “I like how the greens are kind of similar to where I play in New Orleans, grainy. So it kind of suits my eye,” she added.
Among those tied for fourth place, two strokes behind Choi, are prominent players such as Lydia Ko, Hannah Green, Ingrid Lindblad, Arpichaya Yubol, and Somi Lee, all of whom shot 66. This strong field indicates a competitive atmosphere as the tournament progresses.
Choi, who faced numerous challenges during her round, emphasized her ability to recover effectively. “I had a lot of situations which I could make bogeys because of rough and hazard, but I made a lot of good pars,” she stated, underscoring her resilience on the course.
Defending Champion and Rising Stars
Defending champion Yin Ruoning started her title defense with a solid round of 68, while world number one Jeeno Thitikul also finished with a score of 68. Thitikul, the only golfer with multiple victories on the LPGA Tour this year, expressed her comfort playing in Malaysia. “The course, the weather, and also the fans seem like second home to me. I feel like it seems like a mini-Thailand,” she remarked before the first round.
Last week, Australia triumphed in the International Crown team event held in South Korea. Following the Maybank Classic, the LPGA will conclude its five-week Asian swing with the Japan Classic at Shiga, the site of Dryburgh’s previous win in 2022. This tournament not only represents an opportunity for Dryburgh to reclaim her winning form but also serves as a crucial moment for all competitors aiming to establish their dominance in this season’s LPGA Tour.
