AMATEUR golf star Georgia Hall hopes to thrive in a pressure environment when she begins her bid to help Great Britain & Ireland earn a rare Curtis Cup win across the pond.

The 18-year-old Parkstone ace is part of an eight-strong team that takes on the might of the United States at St Louis Country Club, Missouri from tomorrow until Sunday.

Since the inaugural Curtis Cup match was played in 1932, Great Britain and Ireland have only once triumphed in the US, winning in Kansas in 1986.

Retaining the title following draws in 1958 and 1994 respectively, GB&I have otherwise lost 15 of their 18 trips across the Atlantic.

However, that is a balance that Hall – one of six newcomers to the visiting team – is looking to redress.

She told the Daily Echo: “It would be great to win, especially in America.

“I’d like to carry on my run of playing well over there and I love matchplay. It’s very intense and competitive and that suits me.

“You’re playing against a player and not the course so you can be a bit tactical as well - it’s really good fun.

“I think I play better under pressure and I’m sure when I get to the first tee I will be raring to go.”

The trans-Atlantic clash begins with three four-ball matches (from 2pm BST) tomorrow, before moving on to three foursomes matches (from 7.30pm).

Saturday’s schedule follows the same pattern, with Sunday being reserved for eight singles head-to-heads (from 7.13pm).

World amateur number 14 Hall will feature in the Curtis Cup match for the first time having been controversially overlooked for a spot in the team that triumphed at Nairn, Scotland, two years ago.

Hall was only named as first reserve, despite winning a trial match at Nairn.

However, the selection process was changed for this year’s competition, with Hall an automatic choice due to her favourable world amateur ranking.

United States: Kyung Kim, Alison Lee, Erynne Lee, Ally McDonald, Annie Park, Ashlan Ramsey, Mariah Stackhouse, Emma Talley.

Great Britain & Ireland: Georgia Hall, Eilidh Briggs, Gabriella Cowley, Annabel Dimmock, Gemma Dryburgh, Bronte Law, Stephanie Meadow, Charlotte Thomas.