Aboyne’s Shannon McWilliam will fly the Scottish flag in the GB&I team at this season’s Curtis Cup in New York.

The 18-year-old, who scored an early season win in South Africa and made a strong challenge in last weekend’s Helen Holm Scottish Open against an international field, forms part of eight-strong team for the defence of the cup against the US at Quaker Ridge in June.

Lily May Humphreys, who rubber stamped her place in the side by winning the Helen Holm title at Troon last week, is one of five English players in the team while a young squad also features the 15-year-old Annabell Fuller.

Elaine Farquharson-Black, who will captain GB&I in the Curtis Cup for the second time, said, “There have been a number of players throughout Great Britain and Ireland who have been in impressive form recently and it was a difficult decision to select only eight.

“The players selected will now have a wonderful opportunity to perform on the international stage in one of the world’s most prestigious events and I’m sure that they will give their very best as we attempt to retain the trophy against a talented team from the United States.”

Troon’s Connie Jaffrey, who has enjoyed a good season on the US college scene and had been tipped to be in the team, missed out on selection.