91Èȱ¬

Carnoustie has experienced some memorable moments in golfing history.

Since Tommy Armour first strode the links at its first Open in 1931 all the golfing greats have fallen under its spell. Perhaps Jean Van de Velde was simply transfixed in 1999 when he slipped off his shoes and waded into the Barry Burn, allowing Paul Lawrie to eventually claim the title.

Now it's the women's turn - not for a dip in the burn, although you never know in golf - but to book a page in Carnoustie's illustrious history.

The Women's British Open is being held here for the first time after two previous visits to Scotland - Turnberry and St Andrews.

The event is only in its 10th year as a major. There are four in the women's game, pretty much mirroring the men's - three in America, one in the UK. A fifth - the Evian Masters in France will be added in two years' time.

All the big names in the sport are here but, unlike the men, few are household names. At 21, American Michelle Wie has been in the limelight since becoming the youngest player to qualify for the US amateur championship at the age of 10. Then there's Laura Davies from England - a four-time major winner.

But a huge change in the women's game has been the rise of Asian players - especially Koreans. Prior to Se Ri Pak winning her first major at the LPGA championship in 1998, no Koreans had triumphed. In the past seven years they've won eight.

Japan's Ai Miyazato is also on top form having won last week's Evian Masters.

Top Americans include world number two Cristie Kerr and Paula Creamer who did some homework over the course a few weeks ago.

Then there's Taiwan's , the world number one and the youngest player to win three majors, then four. Could she make it five? She won at Royal Birkdale last year and is the name to beat.

Trying desperately hard to do just that will be North Berwick's Catriona Matthew who triumphed at Royal Lytham two years ago.

The Scots could have an edge with their knowledge of the links. Glasgow's Janice Moodie, and Kylie Walker join amateur Pamela Pretswell from Hamilton in completing the Scottish challenge.