LET winner Holly Clyburn at Downfield

The Paul Lawrie Scottish Ladies Tour 18-hole event at Downfield today – The Marcliffe at Pitodels Hotel’s Ladies Challenge – is the fifth on the fledgling circuit and the field of 34 players is the strongest gathering yet of female professionals and single-figure girl amateurs.

Holly Clyburn, one of the GB& I stars of the Curtis Cup win at Nairn last year and a winner on the Ladies European Tour this season, makes her debut on the Tour, as do Kelsey MacDonald, Pamela Pretswell, Clare Queen, Kiran Matharu, Jane Turner and Kylie Walker.

Turner, a Scotland amateur international, has decided to turn professional and this is her first appearance since making the decision. Matharu is a former English women’s amateur champion and past Curtis Cup player from Leeds.

The amateur entry is strong as well with Scottish champion Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) keen to gain experience of playing alongside professionals with a view to joining them next year.

St Rule Trophy winner Ailsa Summers (Carnoustie Ladies), on the other hand, is a St Andrews University student who is adamant that she will be a career amateur but is attracted to test her skills against pro opposition.

The action at the Dundee course starts at 1.30pm.