SCOTS HOPE HOME ADVANTAGE WILL PAY IN WOMEN'S HOME INTERNATIONALS

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Scottish champion Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) is hoping home advantage will prove to be the extra boost the Scottish team needs in a bid to regain the Women’s Home International title at Scotscraig from September 11-13.

“I played the course for the first time recently and really liked it,” said the Paisley 20-year-old, who combines her golf with a job at the Glasgow Indoor Centre. “I think we will have a good chance, although the other teams are very strong.”

Winning the Scottish championship at Longniddry in May was the season’s highlight for McKechin but she is hoping for another celebration in North Fife on Friday.

“I’m playing well,” she continued. “And it would be great if Scotland could win the title.”

The Scottish team, captained by Baberton’s Karen Marshall, is a mix of youth and experience with McKechin, Lauren Whyte (St Regulus) and the Kilmacolm Briggs sisters – Megan and Eilidh – being joined by four rookies in Heather Munro (Monifieth), Gabrielle MacDonald (Craigielaw), Hannah McCook (Grantown-On-Spey) and Scottish Girls’ Champion, Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies). 

Munro, who left Grove Academy in the summer, remembers playing at Scotscraig in Junior Opens – back then, she could never have believed that her first cap would come so close to home.

“Getting into the Scottish team is my best achievement so far,” said the 17-year-old from Broughty Ferry. “I’m taking a gap year to play golf and try and save some money. Next season, I would like to go to university in America.”

The last time the Internationals were held in Scotland – at Irvine Bogside in 2009 – the home side finished a very close second to Wales. But the Scots shrugged off the disappointment and roared back the next season to win in style at Whitchurch.