A first Irish win since Paul Cutler triumphed five years ago could open the doors to the Walker Cup in the Lytham Trophy this weekend.

The big three of Gary Hurley, Jack Hume and Gavin Moynihan lead a 12-strong Irish contingent into action at this year's Walker Cup venue against an extremely strong field that features three of the world's top 25 and six of the top 50.

While the US college players are absent, double European Amateur champion Ashley Chesters and British Amateur winner Bradley Neil will be fancied to do well as will the impressive Swede Marcus Kinhult, the highest ranked player at No 2 in the world.

Kinhult won the Sage Valley Invitational last week and tied for fourth  at Royal Lytham last year alongside West Waterford man Hurley, who showed excellent form over the winter, reaching  the Spanish Amateur final at Sherry Golf in February.

Ballymena's Dermot McElroy will be looking to build on his West of Ireland win with another good  showing at Royal Lytham, where he tied for seventh last year.

How many Walker Cup places are truly up for grabs remains to be seen but with Hurley, Moynihan and Hume and Paul Dunne and with the likes of Sharvin and McElroy capable of pushing hard for consideration, disappointment is a guarantee.

What better way to create a selection headache for GB&I captain Nigel Edwards than to win the Sputnik Trophy at the venue where his side will take on the USA from September 10-12.