DEFENDING champion Alison Rose is favourite to retain the Scottish women's amateur championship at North Berwick this week.
Rose has been reunited with Welsh caddie Ernie Bell. ''The last time Ernie caddied for me, I won the British Open amateur championship at Cruden Bay, so I'm pleased he has made the long trip to Scotland again,'' said Rose.
Bell is one of the best caddies around in women's amateur golf. He worked for many years with Welsh Curtis Cup player Vicky Thomas when she was at the peak of her powers.
Although she is the defending champion, there is less pressure on 29-year-old Rose than there is on her leading rivals. Rose will be a member of the Curtis Cup team to defend the trophy against the Americans this summer whether or not she retains the Scottish championship which starts today.
However, for Lesley Nicholson (Haddington), Hilary Monaghan (Longniddry), and Vale of Leven's Anne Laing it could be a case of win or bust this week as far as making the Great Britain and Ireland team for Minneapolis is concerned.
They have been members of the Curtis Cup training squad this past winter but need a national title to join British and Scottish champion Alison on the transatlantic trip.
''It took me long enough to win the Scottish title before I made it all the way at West Kilbride last year, so I feel at lot more relaxed now,'' said Rose.
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