A rising star of women’s amateur golf is set to make her debut in the Curtis Cup Match this week and for those not yet familiar with the name Lily May Humphreys, this 16-year-old sensation is set to enthral the spectators at Quaker Ridge Golf Club with an exciting, risk-versus-reward game.

The England international burst onto the amateur scene two years ago after winning the Fairhaven Trophy, the Liphook Scratch and the English U16 Girls Amateur Championship.

A record-breaking season in 2017 saw her capture the Girls British Open Amateur Championship, the English Women’s Amateur Championship, the European Young Masters, the Sir Henry Cooper Junior Masters and, in only her second tournament playing in the United States, the Junior Orange Bowl International.

She also represented Great Britain and Ireland in the Junior Vagliano Trophy match against the Continent of Europe last year.

The Stoke-by-Nayland golfer has continued her hot streak in 2018 by lifting the Helen Holm Championship at Royal Troon in April and is set for her first appearance for GB&I against the United States.

So, what’s the secret to her success?

“A combination of things has enabled me to be successful over the last two years,” said Humphreys.

“Lots of hard work in practice, having the opportunities to test yourself and compete against the best amateur golfers, and playing great courses. You learn from these experiences, while the support of your family and friends also helps too.”

Indeed, her experience of winning the Girls British Open Amateur Championship at Enville last year has prepared her for the match-play situations she will face as GB&I aim to retain the famous trophy won at Dun Laoghaire in the Republic of Ireland two years ago.

The England international was in convincing form throughout the championship and sealed an emphatic 7-and-5 win over Norway’s Emilie Overas to clinch the biggest amateur title of her career so far.

“During the week of the Girls British Open Amateur I felt everything clicked in terms of match play and I hit a lot of good shots when I needed to,” said Humphreys. “I really performed well that week, so it makes me really confident about my game going into the Curtis Cup.”

The fans preparing to visit Quaker Ridge to follow the action this week should note Humphreys as one to watch, particularly with her fondness for fast greens and “risk and reward holes,” as she calls them.

“I really like the courses in America and they are ones that suit my game. I like fast greens and parkland type courses with risk and reward holes and the course setups are good. I like the conditions and the way you can play here.

“I’m starting to feel comfortable here at Quaker Ridge. It’s different with the greens that slope quite a bit and the type of grass that grows here around the greens and fairways but I’m getting used to it the more time goes along.”

With Humphreys settling into her rhythm so quickly here in the United States, she may well prove to be an invaluable resource for GB&I captain Elaine Farquharson-Black during the three days of competition.

What’s for certain is that Humphreys is relishing the experience and opportunity following her selection for GB&I.

“It’s been a great experience so far, everyone had been so friendly and because the players on the team know each other so well, already it has been easier to gel as a team. Even though we don’t see each other that often we all get along together and there is a good atmosphere in the team.”

Stuart Moffat is a communications manager for The R&A.