Strange and Smith make a perfect match - on and off the course

Lucinda Smith has given up a career in banking to pursue her holiday job - caddying for her boyfriend, Scott Strange.

The Aussie couple have been together for 81/2 years but only recently decided to make a full commitment - not of the marriage kind, but in the golf business.

The new partnership got off to an inauspicious start when Strange missed the cut at the Singapore Open, but Smith's banking background might come in handy at the end of play tonight. Strange made a run up the leaderboard yesterday to be joint second at one stage before a bogey dropped him back to 10 under - in a tie for seventh place and six strokes off leader Robert Karlsson. But a good finish today will guarantee Strange a healthy cheque.

'I used to caddie for him on my holidays,' Smith, 25, said after Strange shot his second four-under 66 in three days. 'I have started travelling with him and really enjoy it. And it's nice to spend some time together.' The relationship on the course is strictly professional. 'I don't say a lot ... just a bit of chit-chat. But once we are off the course it's back to being a couple.

'I love the travelling but we don't get to see a lot - except hotels rooms. We did get out on the harbour the other night and it was fantastic.'

Strange said the marvels of the internet had allowed them to maintain a long-distance relationship while he travelled the Asian and European tours.