World No 2 Lexi Thompson is confident she has a safe pairs of hands at this week’s Women’s British Open – as her caddie is the son of former Dundee United goalkeeper, Hamish McAlpine.

Kevin McAlpine, a former Scottish Amateur champion who had a largely unfulfilling stint as a professional, has been on Thompson’s bag since March and this profitable alliance has already spawned a win and four second-place finishes on the highly lucrative LPGA Tour.

McAlpine used to caddie regularly at Kingsbarns, the host venue of this week’s showpiece, and knows its various nooks and crannies like the back of his hand.

Thompson, 22, said: “He’s basically told me everything about Kingsbarns. Stepping out here for the first time on Monday I was like, ‘I have no idea’. He has just been telling me every line and what every green does. He’s been a huge help. He is my best friend. I’ve never been so relaxed on a course and he’s definitely been a good change.”

McAlpine’s pro career was hampered by a niggling knee injury but the Alyth man is relishing this new chapter alongside one of the world’s best female golfers.

He said: "When first I turned pro, I went to the States for the winter then came back here to Kingsbarns work in the summer and I had four summers here.

"It was only two years ago that I stopped caddying here as I was still trying to play myself then. I was juggling the PGA EuroPro with this.

"What is surreal, though, is to be back here carrying Lexi's bag in the British Open and I think we have been doing pretty well together.”

Thompson and McAlpine suffered a huge disappointment at the first Major of the women’s year, the ANA Inspiration, where she was controversially penalised four strokes for incorrectly replacing her ball on the green and ended up losing out on the title in a play-off.

Since that set back, she has responded with purpose and McAlpine has been hugely impressed by her resolve and mental fortitude.

He added: "The hardest part about what happened is that it came so early in the year and there have been a lot of events since then.

"The media stuff about it has died down but she still gets people bringing it up and that's got to be hard. But, as far as I know, she is over it and accepted it. Her results since then show she has dealt with it pretty well.

"One of best things about working for someone like Lexi is that you are going into any event with a chance of winning and she knows she can win. That's a great feeling, no matter whether you are a player or a caddie."

On the local front, Glasgow's Kylie Henry, a double champion on the Ladies European Tour, and Lanark's Pamela Pretswell form part of a seven-strong Scottish contingent.