A TEENAGE golf sensation has been selected in the provision squad for the 2015 Walker Cup.

Adam Chapman, 19, from Windermere, will form part of the initial 20 man squad to represent Great Britain and Ireland at the 45th Walker Cup.

The Walker Cup is the amateur version of golf's showcase event, The Ryder Cup.

It sees the best amateur golfers from Great Britain and Ireland take on America's best offerings in a battle for international bragging rights.

Chapman received the good news after he had the best season of his fledgling career in 2014 winning both the North and South of England Open Amateur Strokeplay Championships.

The former Lakes School pupil also notched up impressive performances at the Welsh Open, coming sixth, and the Pannal Rose Bown, which he won.

The Gazette spoke to Chapman, who is ranked sixth in England and already represents the national men's team.

He said: "I was half expecting to be selected - they sent me an email. I'm confident that I will have a good season and if I do have a good season then I will get picked."

He has been making some adjustments since getting the call up.

"I've tried to improve my fitness as the fitter you are, the longer you can stay at the top of your game and play good golf for 18 holes and not just 16," said Chapman, who joined Windermere Golf Club when he was nine years old.

The 20 man squad is just a provisional list of names and it has to be whittled down to 10 before the Walker Cup kicks off at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s Golf Club on Saturday, September 12.

Great Britain and Ireland will be looking to avenge a 17-9 defeat at the hands of the Americans in the 2013 event held in Southampton, New York.

However, as the team's captain Nigel Edwards says, anything can happen between now and then.

"We have selected a strong squad of players and they will all know that they are in contention for a place on the team.

"It is up to them to perform this season.

"As the season progresses, I am sure that a number of players who do not form part of this current squad will challenge for places on the team as has happened in previous years, with the likes of Steven Brown and Danny Willett playing their way on to the 2011 and 2007 teams.

"Players who do not form part of this squad can still play their way on to the team for September.”

Despite the uncertainty and pressure, Chapman is confident and focussed on his goal.

He said: "It's the biggest thing you can get picked for so it would be the icing on the cake. If I win a big tournament this year it boosts my chances massively. I don't think about failing. If it happens, it happens, there's always next year. You've just got to believe in yourself. I'm extremely grateful because there's a lot of people who have put their time and money into me and it has helped a lot."

Chapman left school at 15 to focus on golf and has had a long history with Windermere Golf Club.

Club chairman, Cliff Heath, said: "We are delighted for Adam and his family on his tremendous achievement. He had an extraordinary season in 2014 and the members will be behind him this season. We are all rooting for him!”

Windermere Golf Club are holding an Amateur/Amateur competition to raise funds for Windermere Golf Club’s Elite Player Fund on July 25.

For more information visit www.windermeregolfclub.co.uk