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Quick Questions: Gemma Batty

Gemma is a two-time British Universities’ champion and a former English National Matchplay champion. She has represented Great Britain at three World Universities’ events and played for Scotland at European representative levels.

1 Favourite five
Rank your top five golf courses in Scotland with a one-word explanation of why each course has made it on your list
1. New Course, St Andrews – spectacular
2. Old Course, Moray, Lossiemouth – memories
3. Gullane No.1 – picturesque
4. Dundonald – challenging
5. The Old Course, St Andrews – breathtaking

2 Groundhog golf
If you could play just one Scottish course, over and over again, which course would you choose and why?
The New Course at St Andrews. I compete in the St Rule Trophy every year and have the pleasure of playing 36 holes on the first day of the tournament – every time I play it, I see different things, experience new challenges and always look forward to getting out to the 9th hole and seeing the beautiful estuary. I have the fondest of memories as my mum usually pushes the trolley and keeps me smiling!

3 Hidden gems
Scotland is full of great courses that hardly anyone has ever heard of – what’s your favourite and what makes it special?
West Linton Golf Club – I was welcomed there with open arms when I joined in 2017, since then I have developed a strong connection with the members and been given honorary membership due to recent achievements. The people make the golf club and anyone, whether member or visitor is greeted with a friendly smile.

4 Links lessons
What’s the single most important piece of advice you’d give to someone who was playing links golf for the first time?
Keep it low! Don’t be afraid to get the ball right off your back foot and play a stinging punch shot – be careful, if it’s a cold day, it might sting a little!

5 Off course
What’s the one off-course activity that any golfer coming to Scotland should experience?
A full Scottish breakfast (with tattie scones and haggis) after a long walk in crisp morning air.

6 This much I know … 
What words of wisdom would you give to a student golfer visiting Scotland?
Bring plenty of layers! On a more serious note… don’t be afraid to try new shots on the golf courses, many are links and require a different style of play. Testing yourself and trying new things is all part of the fun!