Championships should make her a clear favourite to win the event for an unprecedented fourth year in a row this weekend.

But the Wake Forest College junior is also counting on the 54-hole three-day tournament at Port Royal to play a vital role in her build-up to the US Open qualifying round next month.

And the 20-year-old student insists she wants stiff competition from her main rivals Judithanne Outerbridge, Madeline Joell and Pat Morgan in the small field of 15.

Marshall doesn't hide the fact that her main intention is to use the championships as much-needed preparation for the Open qualifier which will be played at Duke University's golf course in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, on July 24.

"It would be nice if everybody plays well, the better the competition the better the scores will be,'' said Marshall yesterday. "I expect the competition to be good because Judithanne, Madeline and Pat are all pretty good players.'' A year ago Marshall beat Joell into second place by three strokes with a three-round score of 233. Joell finished on 236 and Outerbridge third on 242.

Outerbridge will be anxious to improve on her record which has seen her narrowly beaten into second place in consecutive years from 1991 to 1993.

However, something that the trio of challengers should be mindful of is that the defending champion goes into the event this year not only well focused but enthusiastic, confident and in considerably better form than a year ago.

Marshall attributes her improved playing form to the fact that she has been more active during the spring, competing more regularly with Wake Forest team.

"During the spring I played often and pretty well. I didn't have finishes among the top five but I played fairly consistent and was a strong finisher for the team,'' she said.

Thanks to her, Wake Forest were able to clinch their highest ever finish in the NCAA Women's Golf Championships two weeks ago when they placed third in the tournament in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Individually though she finished in a tie for 43rd place -- still a creditable performance considering the quality field.

"The steady playing in so many school tournaments has helped my game a lot going into the summer. I guess I am more confident right now, not really tired as a result, and I'd say that I am going into the weekend tournament with more confidence than a year ago,'' added Marshall.

The youngster, however, still feels there's plenty of room for improvement.

Her main concern is putting, which she considers the weakest part of her game.

While going into the tournament on a high, Marshall isn't making any predictions about winning a fourth title although she is the clear favourite.

She remembers a whopping eight over par 80 in the opening round a year ago on a course where she has never managed to shoot under par.

"I want to improve on last year's 233. If I can shoot three rounds of 75 or below then I perhaps would be satisfied,'' said Marshall.

Meanwhile, if last year's scores in the men's championship are anything to go by then Henry Ascento should be a firm favourite to defend his title.

He clinched his first major prize in local golf last year by running away to a 12 stroke victory over Arthur Jones and Clyde Burgess after combining rounds of 73, 71, 75 and 74.

Now the challenge will be there for him to prove his win wasn't a flash in the pan, though those who have followed his rise acknowledge that he is one of the more consistent amateurs locally.

When the men head for the first tee on Friday, Ascento knows he will have plenty of work to do to hang onto his crown.

"There are five or six guys who could grab it any time,'' said Ascento, mentioning the names of visitor Jeff Kiley, Robert Vallis and Duncan Zelkin, all previous winners.

"I just think that it's going to be the guy who putts well,'' said the champion. "The course is drying out. From tee to gree I'm stronger than on the green so I need to work on my short game.

"It could have a lot to do with the weather, but I don't think it (margin) will be as big if I do win again.'' Ascento didn't deny rumours that he was considering turning professional, saying that it was something he would think about this summer. "Being an amateur doesn't pay the bills,'' he said.

The champion is hoping a niggling back injury won't affect his game this weekend, although he won't use that as an excuse.

"I've had a little injury but who knows by Friday it could be alright,'' Ascento added. "I'll put my best out there.'' Visitor Kiley, like Ascento a scratch player, is one of the many past winners looking for further success.

Kiley was the 1989 winner while one handicappers Robert Vallis (1991 winner) and Duncan Zelin ('93 winner) have also signed up along with '80,'81 winner Hav Trott and Clyde (Tango) Burgess who tasted success in '85.

Another visitor who could make a bid is James Baker, a scratch player from Florida.

Missing, however, is past winner Scott Mayne who is ruled out because of injury.

KIM MARSHALL -- aiming for an unprecedented fourth straight ladies Amateur Strokeplay title.