Hayley (Ferndown), pictured with her trophy, set out on a practice round in glorious sunshine this morning with county colleague Melissa McMahon of Yeovil.
Tomorrow, the 18-year-old begins her title defence at 11.26am in the company of Yorkshire's Ellie Robinson (Middlesborough).
On Wednesday Hayley will play at 8.38am alongside the 2008 champion, Hannah Barwood of Knowle, Gloucestershire.
The championship has attracted a top quality field of almost 70 players - with handicaps as low as plus-three - and includes internationals and Curtis Cup players. There is a strong local challenge from 11 Sussex players, including three from the host club: Alice Barnes, Clarissa Bushell and Daisy Kane.
The championship starts tomorrow and all competitors will play 36 holes of strokeplay qualifying, over two days. The top 32 players will go forward to the matchplay stages, starting on Thursday, May 12.
The final will take place on the morning of Saturday, May 14, Spectators are welcome.
Championship reports and hole-by-hole scoring: www.englishwomensgolf.org
