KIM Botelho (formerly Marshall) has been rejuvenated by her return to amateur status.

And next week she flies off to Puerto Rico for her fifth World Amateur Team Championships to represent Bermuda along with rookies Laura Robinson and Ebonie Burgess.

Botelho, who turns 30-years-old next weekend, is also six months pregnant with her first child but she is not fazed at all by competing over four days against the best amateurs in the world.

"My pregnancy has not affected my swing at all," she said this week. "However I do get a little tired. But thankfully we will have caddies."

And although Botelho, who dominated the women's side of golf in Bermuda in the 1990s, has competed in four World Amateur Championships, she admitted she will be feeling the nerves once again.

"I got back my amateur status in January of 2003 so I haven't played that much competitive golf ? especially at this level so I will be feeling a little nervous."

However she will not be as nervous as when she first played for Bermuda at the World Amateurs in 1990 in New Zealand. "I felt overwhelmed then," she said adding, "but I was only 15 years old at the time!"

In the last competitive amateur tournament in Bermuda ? the Stroke Play Championships this past summer ? Botelho won with Robinson placing second and Burgess third.

"I am really looking forward to playing with Laura and Ebonie in Puerto Rico although I do not know them that well," said Botelho.

Asked if she will be giving the two Bermuda rookies any advice in Puerto Rico, the veteran player said: "I wouldn't push it on them but if they asked then of course I would be more than happy and answer their questions. But they should be pretty comfortable because they are both at golf schools and are playing tournaments. They should be OK."

Robinson, 21 years old, is on a golf scholarship at Wofford College in the US while Burgess attends the renown Leadbetter Academy in Florida. Both will join Botelho in Puerto Rico from their respective schools.

Botelho said that Robinson and Burgess may not be used to the crowds which usually attend the World Amateurs. "That will be something they will have to adjust to," she said.

Botelho has played all over the world during her previous amateur career ? places like New Zealand, Canada, France and the Far East.

"I had a lot of experience mainly from playing at the World Amateurs. And we will be up against some very tough players in Puerto Rico. Women's golf ? amateur and professional ? has really improved over the years. Just look at the Koreans. There are a number of them winning on the LPGA Tour and it seems there are more and more of them every year. I imagine that we will be playing against a number of players who you will see on the LPGA Tour is years to come. The competition will be very tough."

The four-day stoke play tournament gets under way on October 20 at the Rio Mar Country Club and the women will be playing for the Espirito Santo Trophy. The championships are held every two years and vary in locations with the three distinct regions being Asia, Europe and North America. The last championships were held in 2002 in Malaysia while the 2006 championships will be held in South Africa.

Asked if she expects her golf life to change after she has her baby, Botelho said: "Initially it will but then later I hope to get back out playing and competing."