Hannah Barwood is relishing the chance to test herself against the game's professionals for the first time when she lines up at the Irish Open.

The 18-year-old amateur will make her debut on the Ladies European Tour on the links at Portmarnock on Thursday.

"It's a great opportunity for me to see how I measure up against the pros," Barwood told BBC Points West.

"I can't really be nervous because I've got nothing to lose. I'll just go out there and see how I get on."

Bristolian Barwood tuned up for the challenge by reaching the last eight at the testing British Ladies Open amateur event before claiming victory at the Ladies West of England Open Championship.

In reaching the quarter-finals at Royal St Davids she beat Laetitia Beck, England international Rachel Jennings and 2008 finalist Caroline Hedwall before losing to European champion Carlota Ciganda.

But she is not daunted by the step up in Ireland and hopes her accuracy off the tee stands her in good stead in a field that includes the top 40 players on the Tour.

"Hopefully I've played a lot more links golf recently than the pros," she added. "I'm definitely used to windy conditions and a bit of bad weather might not be that bad.

"I'm pretty straight off the tee and I'm slowly building my length up as well. My short game's pretty tight at times and I'll see how that compares against the pros."

However, if it compares well Barwood is in no hurry to join the professional ranks and has pencilled in 2011 as a potential date to make the switch.

"From what I've heard it's a great experience and it's crossed my mind a couple of times," Barwood said.

"But I know a couple of girls who rushed in too early and it has not quite worked out for them so I'll make sure I've got plenty of experience under my belt and then I'll give it a go."

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