AFTER a first taste of the international arena Malton and Norton Golf Club's Emma Duggleby just cannot wait for more.

One would have thought that winning the English and Yorkshire championships would have been more than enough for the 28-year-old but, as she expected, the challenge of taking on the Americans as part of the Great Britain and Ireland team in the Curtis Cup turned out to be the year's outstanding highlight.

While the home side went down 10-8 at Ganton as the USA retained the trophy, Duggleby excelled winning both her singles matches and winning and gaining a half in the foursomes.

"From a personal point of view it was a great weekend," enthused Duggleby.

"I felt that I played really well and, after the half in the Saturday foursomes, I really felt happy with my game and the wins in the other matches were really enjoyable."

Given the quality of the opposition Duggleby's form was remarkable, but even more pleasing was the fact that she found that playing in front of spectator lined fairways and encircled greens, plus the ever watchful eye of the television cameras, enhanced her game.

"I had only ever played in front of maybe a couple of hundred people at most and then there was the TV to contend with as well," explained Duggleby.

"I thought I was going to be nervous but that was not the case, in fact it was fantastic to be applauded on to every green.

"The support was something I didn't really expect, but the event was everything I expected it was going to be and I thoroughly enjoyed it."

And Duggleby was full of praise for host club Ganton too.

"The course was in excellent condition and the organisation was great so it all made for an excellent week," she added.

Duggleby went in to this week's British Championships at Walton seeking success on the back of her fine form against the Americans, but admitted to feeling a little drained.

"I travelled down to Walton just looking to enjoy the competition," said Duggleby.

"Top be honest I was a little bit tired, I suppose every one of us on the Great Britain team was, but we were all ready to give it a bash again."

However, for all the excitement the fact that they were beaten by the Americans, who held on in the face of a home fightback having led 7-2, still rankles and Duggleby is eager for more of the big crowds and stiff competition when the Curtis Cup is up for grabs again in Pennsylvania in two years time.

"I certainly want to be in that team," Duggleby emphasised.

"It would be great to play them again and this time win the trophy and on their own track."

PICTURE - EYES ON THE PRIZE: Malton and Norton star Emma Duggleby lines up a putt during the Curtis Cup at Ganton