SHIGA (Japan) — Gemma Dryburgh, from Scotland, won her first LPGA Tour title on Sunday with a final round 7-under 65 to win the Toto Classic by four strokes ahead of Kana Nagai of Japan. Nagai finished with a 65.
Linn Grant was third after a 67, five shots off the pace.
Dryburgh also shot a 65 in the final round and finished 20-under 268 at Seta Golf Club in western Japan.
After the second and third rounds, Japanese Momoko Ueda led by eight shots. She was eight shots behind after a score of 74. Ueda had won this event twice.
Dryburgh had a foreseeing of winning this week. It happened.
I was in Korea last Wednesday with friends, and I said to them: Ill mention your in my speech, she said. Just as a joke. Its overwhelming to be truthful. This is a dream I have had for a long time.
Dryburgh, a Tulane University golfer who is still a big Manchester United soccer fan, said she was able to relax despite the pressure.
I was nervous. She admitted that she was nervous. But I was incredibly calm to tell the truth and focused on my breathing.
Dryburgh is the Scot who became the first Scot winner on the LPGA Tour since Catriona Matthews 2011 win at the Lorena Obchoa Invitational.
Atthaya Thitikul, a 19-year-old Thai girl who has climbed to No. 1 in the LPGA rankings finished with a 67, 10 shots behind Dryburgh.
She was then asked what she plans to do next.
She said, Theres a lot to do. I think I am still learning and improving.
