HILTON GRAND VACATIONS TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS

January 19, 2023

Gemma Dryburgh

Lake Nona Golf & Country Club

Quick Quotes

Q. Here we are with Gemma Dryburgh after her first round of the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions. Can you talk to me a little bit about your round, and how did you feel on the course for the first time this season?

GEMMA DRYBURGH: Yeah, I wouldn't say I felt rusty, but just kind of getting back into it, I guess. Felt good out there. Hit it pretty well, not 100 percent happy with everything, but a few things to work on for tomorrow, but it was great to play with Annika and Brian today. We had a nice group. Yeah, had a good time-out there.

Q. Going right into that, playing with Annika, how did it feel to be playing with her, and did it motivate you on the course out there?

GEMMA DRYBURGH: Yeah, it's amazing to watch her. I've watched her since I was young. I was telling her I played in her junior tournament when I was about 17, so it was pretty crazy looking back now and now playing with her in an event. Very cool. I asked her a few questions. Hopefully I didn't bombard her too much, but wanted to soak up as much information as I could.

Q. Having won late last year, this is one of those nice perks of winning. What's the sense of accomplishment being in an event like this?

GEMMA DRYBURGH: Yeah, it's a great bonus. We get to start the season before everyone else, which is great. Kind of look back at the win, as well, to get me here. It was only a few months ago really, so still finishing the celebrations with my family over Christmas and stuff. It's really cool to be here.

Q. Did you go home over the holidays?

GEMMA DRYBURGH: Yeah, I spent about three weeks in New Orleans and then three weeks at home with my family, so had a nice mix.

Q. Did you ever get your toilet.

GEMMA DRYBURGH: Not yet, but I've got a sneaky peek this week at the hotel. I'm getting a sneak peek into my future, which is nice.

Q. Were you worried about being rusty today or getting back into it, or did you get right back in?

GEMMA DRYBURGH: I wasn't worried I would say, but it was nice to get back into scoring again. It's obviously a bit different to when you're practicing at home. But it feels like the season just ended really, so kind of getting back into it pretty quick.

Q. Can you walk me through your back nine? You had three birdies in the last six holes. How did that help you close out the round and feel good about going into tomorrow?

GEMMA DRYBURGH: Yeah, it felt like I had a few good chances before that and just didn't make anything, and then had a nice -- wouldn't say it was the best shot on that par-, but it ended up just an inch from the hole, which was great, and then yeah, had a nice birdie on the next hole and birdied 17, as well. Yeah, it was nice to finish like that.

Q. After your first round, do you have any expectations for the rest of the weekend?

GEMMA DRYBURGH: I don't think so. Just kind of do the same as today and then see how it goes, the old saying. But yeah, I think that's what I'll do tomorrow.