Catriona Matthew using Evian Masters as a catalyst for her Open defence

Along with husband, Graeme, she had to escape from a fire in her hotel on the eve of the French tournament - and the following week she went on to win the Ricoh Women's British Open.

Over the next four days, Scotland's first woman major champion is hoping for a slightly less scary preparation for her defence of the British title at Birkdale next week.

The Matthews are staying at a different hotel this year, and she has been working hard on her game since narrowly missing the cut at the US Women's Open at Oakmont two weeks ago.

"I've had a week at home in North Berwick and spent a lot of time working with my coach, Kevin Craggs," she said. "He's hopefully going to be with me at Birkdale next week."

Janice Moodie is the second Scot in an 81-strong elite field headed by world No 1 Ai Miyazato and the new US Women's Open Champion, Paula Creamer.

Creamer won the Evian Masters as a rookie five years ago and she has set her sights on collecting her second title on one of her favourite venues on the LPGA Tour.

"I just love coming here, and it would be great to repeat my 2005 win," said the 23-year-old. "It is such a nice feeling, and a relief, to arrive here as the US Women's Open Champion. Even in my second year on Tour people were asking: 'When are you going to win a major?' This is my sixth season and it's now great to have done it."

The youngest player is the precocious American 15-year-old, Alexis Thompson. The Florida youngster, who had a top ten at the US Women's Open, turned professional last month - this is her third event and she is playing as one of the sponsor's invites.

"I don't feel any extra pressure," insisted the youngster. "I just want to play consistently and hope for the best. My goal is a top ten."

Thomson, whose father is her caddie, is home schooled and has not yet decided when to try and join the LPGA Tour. If she wants to play before she is 18 she would have to petition the Commissioner and be granted a special exemption.

Michelle Wie may be a doubtful starter after she had to be helped off the course yesterday during the pro-am after falling ill.

Meanwhile, Aberdeen Asset Management, the international investment management company, announced yesterday that it has added Matthew to its golf sponsorship portfolio.

Matthews said: "I am delighted about my new partnership.

"It is a brand which has become synonymous with Scottish golf and I am proud to wear their logo as I play in front of the crowds at the Evian Masters and then compete to retain my Women's British Open title at Royal Birkdale."