Kylie Walker, Sally Watson and Pamela Pretswell are three amateurs joining eight Scottish professionals at the Ladies’ Irish Open at Portmarnock.

As member of the Great Britain and Ireland team to take on the Continent of Europe for the Vagliano Trophy in Germany next month, the amateur trio have been invited to the leading Ladies’ European Tour event,

For 22-yearold Walker, who won last year’s Scottish Ladies’ Golf Association Order of Merit, it is certainly a chance to prove she belongs in the arena. The Buchanan Castle golfer just failed to win her LET card this year, and she hopes to be a full-time rookie next season.

Watson has made a stunning return to form following knee surgery. The 17-year-old underwent the operation following last year’s Curtis Cup and, since her comeback in January, the Elie youngster has won a couple of tournaments in America.

Watson has just graduated from the David Leadbetter IMG Academy in Florida and, in the autumn, she will be heading to Stanford University in California. “But it is nice to be back home for a few weeks and play some golf in Britain,” said Watson. 

“I’m really looking forward to the Irish Open, it’s nice to get the chance to you’re your game at higher levels.”

The eight Scots who are playing for the cash are rookies Krystle Caithness, Vikki Laing, Pamela Feggans and Michele Thomson, Clare Queen, Lynn Kenny, Jenna Wilson and Kathryn Imrie.