WILTSHIRE captain Dave Bauer hopes the pressure to perform from within his own squad can drive the county towards a third successive national title this summer.

Non-playing skipper Bauer, who emulated 2011 predecessor Kevin Phillips by guiding his team to victory at Beau Desert GC in Staffordshire last September, will watch his side start their bid at the South West qualifier at Dudsbury Golf Club near Bournemouth on Tuesday.

The event is part of South West Week, at which Wiltshire will also attempt to regain the inter-counties matchplay title they last won in 2011 and retain the South West Amateur title won by Ben Loughrey (Wrag Barn) last summer.

Bauer has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal, county regulars Loughrey and brother Josh, Cumberwell Park’s Ali James and top amateur performers Ben Stow (Rushmoor) and Robbie Busher (Salisbury & South Wilts) all returning.

County champion Jack Charman (North Wilts), England amateur Jordan Smith (Bowood) plus in-form youngster Ben Amor (Marlborough) are also available.

Bauer said: “I’m going to have some hard decisions to make at South West Week but it’s a great position to be in.

“There is going to be added pressure because of the guys we have and as we will probably go in as favourites.

“Before, players have probably picked themselves, but we’ve got another crop coming through. It’s a great bunch of lads, this year more than ever. Everyone wants to play for each other.’’ The national county finals are at Minchinhampton GC in September.

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