Now she has been followed by Coxmoor golfer Oliver Wilson who secured a place in the European Ryder Cup Team on Sunday to take on the USA in Kentucky later this month.

Going in to the final qualifying event, last week's Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles, he held off his nearest challengers in style to win the coveted place in the team.

After being in danger of missing the cut, and the team, standing at six over par after seven holes of his second round, Wilson displayed all the guts, determination and skill that Ryder Cup Captain Nick Faldo will be looking for, with 13 under par for the last 47 holes to climb up the leaderboard.

When German Martin Kaymer missed four-foot putts on the final two notorious Gleneagles greens to miss the cut by one, it only left Ross Fisher and Nick Dougherty who could deny him the final place in the team.

But, with both Fisher and Dougherty needing to be in the top three, Wilson matched them all the way over the last two rounds finishing level with Fisher in 10th at seven under par and only one stroke adrift of Dougherty.

After becoming the first player to play for the European Team without a professional win, Wilson said: "Doing it without winning shows I've played pretty consistent. I think it is maybe a bit more impressive.

"I'm very proud of myself and pleased with the weekend, especially Friday afternoon, I think at least it proved to people I can do it when I need to."

The former Augusta State University standout and three time All American golfer knows the Americans well and they hold no fear for him

"There are probably 20 to 25 guys over there I've played with, I've beaten them and I know their games,' he said.

"I played with Phil Mickelson this year and beat him at Loch Lomond, so it's not likely I'll be intimidated."

He may not have won as a professional but Wilson's record in team competitions is compelling, being a member of winning teams in The Walker Cup, The Seve Trophy and The Palmer Cup.

Other members of the European Team that will try to keep hold of the gold cup are Padraig Harrington, Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood, Henrik Stenson, Robert Karlsson, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Graeme McDowell, Justin Rose, Soren Hansen Paul Casey and Ian Poulter,

This week he is taking a well earned rest after his tiring and stressful week in the highlands before returning to action in the Mercedes-Benz Championship in Cologne next week.