GREAT Britain and Ireland are feeling confident ahead of their Curtis Cup clash with the United States at Ganton Golf Club.

After an opening ceremony this evening, action starts at the north Yorkshire club tomorrow and expecting to impress is local star Emma Duggleby.

The Malton and Norton golfer has won the English and Yorkshire titles this term, but sees the chance of beating the Americans in ladies' golf's major amateur tournament as the potential highlight of an already stunning season.

"Obviously it is always going to be tough playing against the Americans and you can be sure that every one of their side will be a very good player," said the 28-year-old.

"But we are at Ganton, which some of our team know very well, and I am sure that it is the kind of course that the Americans will not be accustomed to and not exactly their style.

"So we have every reason to be confident, I am looking forward to it and I have my fingers crossed that we can win."

Duggleby is not the only one with knowledge of the course and her arch rival on the amateur circuit, Doncaster's Rebecca Hudson, will also be hoping to make her experience count.

"I knew a few of the English girls well already, particularly people like Rebecca Hudson, who I come up against regularly," added Duggleby.

"We have had a few get togethers as a squad already and we are all getting to know each other's game pretty well, which will obviously be a big help when it comes to the foursomes."

And the confidence in the home camp was echoed by Great Britain and Ireland captain Claire Dowling who said that her team are in "absolutely fantastic" form as they prepare to take on the Americans.

Tonight's opening ceremony, which includes a fly past by the Red Arrows, will signal a battle which promises to be a close one.

The Americans narrowly took the trophy two years ago in Minnesota, but the States' captain Jane Booth has admitted her side have a lot to get used to on the Yorkshire course.

They have been in practice at Ganton ever since last weekend, but Booth said: "It is a new experience, especially for some of our younger players."

The British team do not have history on their side going into the showdown, which will see three foursomes and six singles matches played over tomorrow and Sunday, as the Americans have won the trophy 21 times to just six by the home nations.

Entrance at Ganton is £16 per day, or a season ticket can be bought for £28, and admission is on the gate. Under-16s can enter for free so long as they are accompanied by an adult.