KATHERINE O'Connor said her selection for the ladies' Home Internationals, which began at Frilford Heath yesterday, was a big surprise.

The 16-year-old Frilford member made the Welsh team after a series of impressive performances and was in confident mood ahead of the event on the club's Red Course.

O'Connor has this week been sharing her local knowledge with her teammates, but only last month she was playing in the girls of the tournament.

She said: "This is definitely the biggest event I have played in.

"I've played well all year, but I didn't think I was going to get selected because I am quite young.

"Other players in the team are ten years older than me.

"I'm definitely confident, particularly because I'm a member there.

"I've given my teammates a bit of advice, but I don't know how good it will be."

Although she also qualifies for England, O'Connor believes opting for Wales was the right decision.

She said: "It was a toss-up, but I just preferred Wales, which is my father's country.

"I'm glad I made that choice because I am really enjoying it."

O'Connor, whose home club is Tadmarton Heath, has seen her handicap cut from three to one this year.

"It has come down well," she said. "I have been playing away a lot, so I have been pleased with my progress."

O'Connor has just started her A-Levels at Banbury School, but is considering a professional career after that.

"I'm not sure yet," she said.

"I'm still at school for another two years, so I'll have to see how it goes."

O'Connor teamed up with Jo Nicolson to defeat Scotland's Jenna Wilson and Roseanne Niven 3 & 2 in yesterday morning's foursomes.

She helped Wales to a 2-1 lead at that stage, but did not feature in the afternoon singles.

O'Connor has also been named as Wales' reserve for the ladies' world championships in South Africa next month.