SOLHEIM CUP player Alison Nicholas will defend her Guardian Irish Women's Open title when the event takes place at Luttrellstown Castle on June 26th-29th. The west Dublin course, built inside a spectacular 560 acre estate, will be the event's third venue in four years.

Nicholas, 35 year old English professional with 12 wins on the American Express European Women's Tour, is one of the smallest players on the circuit - at five feet - but is nicknamed "Big Al" because of her ball striking ability.

She has represented Europe in four Solheim Cup campaigns against the United States and has also won tournaments in America, Australia and Malaysia.

"We're delighted to be visiting Ireland once again this year for the fourth staging of the Guardian Irish Open, an event that promises to be one of the highlights of this season's Tour," said Terry Coates, chairman and chief executive of the AmEx Tour."