MAKING the matchplay stages is Charlotte Austwick's aim as she builds up to the biggest tournament of her season next week.

The Fulford golfer is taking part in the Ladies British Amateur Championship at Portstewart, in Northern Ireland, and is in confident mood having secured a top 30 finish in the recent Irish Women's Open Strokeplay Championship.

Tadcaster-based Austwick finished in 24th spot following three rounds at the Dun Laoghaire club in County Wicklow and once again crosses the Irish Sea in search of a productive four days in the Ladies' Golf Union's flagship event.

With the first tee shots in anger hit on Tuesday, Austwick is first determined to make the cut following two strokeplay rounds on the 6,262-yard track. The top 64 then move into a knockout matchplay format with the two finalists meeting on Saturday afternoon.

Austwick will be up against some stiff competition with eight of the top 20 from the women's world amateur rankings, including Leona Maguire and Bronte Law, in the field. Previous winners include professional golfers Kelly Tidy and Georgia Hall.

But the 22-year-old has no fear as she continues on her journey to join the pro ranks in the autumn.

"This is one of the biggest tournaments I can play in," she said. "I am playing some nice golf and it is about piecing together the rounds. I have not played at Portstewart before but I know that it is pretty tight and they have grown the rough up.

"The first eight holes are pretty tough and there is a bit more room on the back nine. The bunkers are pretty deadly, though, and it would be just about getting the ball out of them and being satisfied. The greens aren't said to be too undulating."

Austwick added: "I want to make the cut, get into the matchplay and, once you get into that, it is anyone's game. I've got a pretty good matchplay record so it is about putting together two decent rounds. I won a scratch match at Fulford 8&6 earlier in the week so that was a confidence booster and I went to see my coach (Alastair Grindlay at Easingwold) and we have been working on some punch shots.

"I am travelling over to Ireland today and I will get in two practice rounds. I am looking forward to it."