BEDALE’S Daniel Brown has edged a step closer to appearing in this year’s Walker Cup team.

Brown was named on an initial 20-man Great Britain & Ireland squad by The R&A so that captain Nigel Edwards can keep an eye on them as preparations build up towards Royal Lytham & St Anne’s in September.

The North Yorkshireman, who appeared in the Brabazon Trophy at Seaton Carew last year along with a number of other names on the squad list, will hope for an exciting 2015 to seal his place against the Americans.

Edwards said: “We have selected a strong squad of players and they will all know that they are in contention for a place on the team and 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.”

Ben Stow, who won the Brabazon last year, is among those also included in Edwards’ squad and it will be reduced in August to make up the ten to face the USA. GB will look to reclaim the Walker Cup after the USA’s 17-9 win in 2013.

Full GB & I squad: Tomasz Anderson (Brocket Hall), Gary Hurley (West Waterford), David Boote (Walton Heath), Nick Marsh (Huddersfield), Daniel Brown (Bedale), Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock), Adam Chapman (Windermere), Gavin Moynihan (The Island), Ashley Chesters (Hawkestone Park), Jimmy Mullen (Royal North Devon), Paul Dunne (Greystones), Bradley Neil (Blairgowrie), Grant Forrest (Craigielaw), Graeme Robertson (Glenbervie), Sam Horsfield (Davenport, USA), Jamie Savage (Cawder), Paul Howard (Southport & Ainsdale), Cormac Sharvin (Ardglass), Jack Hume (Naas), Ben Stow (Rushmore).