MACRAE SEEKS REPEAT WIN AT MARRIOTT DALMAHOY THIS WEEK

HEATHER READY TO BLOOM AGAIN IN

PAUL LAWRIE TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP

Heather Stirling, standing, winner of the Tour Order of Merit, and Heather MacRae after last year's Paul Lawrie Tour Championship at Marriott Dalmahoy.

Heather MacRae defends the Paul Lawrie Ladies Tartan Tour Championship over two rounds at Marriott Dalmahoy on Wednesday and Thursday.

The first 18 holes are over the shorter West course at the Edinburgh venue, the second round over the longer, more resting East lay-out on Thursday.

There are 23 players in a field which includes Ladies European Tour player Sally Watson who is not in the field for this week's Major in France, the Evian championship.

Watson could shape up as the main threat to MacRae's claim on the handsome trophy donated by retiring Aberdeen hotelier Stewart Spence, not to mention the £2,750 first prize in a prizefund of £8,000 which is the biggest ever on the Paul Lawrie Tour, coming to the end of its second season.

Other lively contenders include Laura Murray, Vikki Laing, Gemma Webster, Pamela Feggans, Kiran Matharu and Heather Stirling.

American Beth Daniel, a winner on her only previous appearance on the Paul Lawrie, is another with the LET experience that could pay off if it comes down to a tight finish.

Laura Murray, however she performs in the championship, has already won the Tour Order of Merit, a prize that will pay her flights and hotel accommodation at the next Ladies European Tour Qualifying School in Morocco.

There is no admission charge or car parking fee for spectators on either day.