KENT golfer Nicki Timmins has the Americans in her sights after being short listed for the 2004 Curtis Cup.

Timmins, a member at Sene Valley near Hythe, is among 16 golfers named in an elite GB and Ireland squad, from which the final eight will be picked for the tie against the US in Formby on June 12-13, 2004.

Timmins, 23, who lives at Folkestone, was similarly short listed for the Vagliano Cup last season, but suffered the frustration of being named as first non travelling reserve.

The Pent Valley School teacher says that experience has made her even more determined not to miss out this time out.

She said: “Missing out last year hurt me more than I thought it would. It’s made me more determined. I definitely want to be involved with the team this year. It’s my focus for the winter.”

Timmins has just enjoyed her most successful summer, her biggest win coming when she lifted the English Ladies’ Open Intermediate Championhip in Nottingham.

She was also a member of the Kent squad which won the county championships for the first time in 31 years and has twice represented the full England squad.

Timmins hopes to join up with the GB squad for warm weather training in Portugal in February.