| HAZEL IRVINE AT THE WOMEN'S BRITISH OPEN So here we are back at the picturesque Royal Lytham and St Annes for the fourth time in 11 years.
As the final major of the year, we're always guaranteed a star-studded line-up with so many of the world's top 50 here.
These links events are so special because they're such a different challenge from the other three majors, all of which are played in America.
With a gusty breeze and a healthy sprinkling of bunkers, this stretch of the Lancashire coast certainly gives them plenty to think about.
The women's game is in good shape, with Michelle Wie, Lorena Ochoa, Paula Creamer and Laura Davies all attracting good followings.
The South Korean contingent is as strong as ever. Ji-Yai Shin is back to defend the title she dramatically won at Sunningdale last year. Should a Korean win here, it would be the fourth Major of the previous six in which a player from the Far East would have been victorious - quite a record.
The presence of the young American Michelle Wie continues to captivate both the crowd and the media.
With the retirement of superstar Annika Sorenstam last year, the game needs its big stars and Wie is certainly one, despite not having won a tournament since she was 13.
It's amazing and somewhat ironic to think this is actually her rookie season. She's got a wonderfully solid swing and a title can't be far away.
Anything could happen in this event, as 1998 showed when American Sherri Steinhauer shot 81 in her first round and nearly flew home, thinking she'd miss the cut. She didn't and then recovered to win the title.
So it looks set to be a fascinating few days, and you can follow it all with us on the BBC.
Enjoy your weekend,
Hazel
Hazel was talking to Andrew Dill. | 
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