Gloucestershire's new golf captain David Hares has set himself the stiffest target in amateur golf - to win the English county championship.

The 38-year-old Bristol software developer said: "That is largely in the hands of the golfing gods, but that is my ultimate aim."

And Hares, from Bristol and Clifton, will insist on the players giving everything to the cause during his two years at the helm as successor to Rodney Tugwell (Knowle).

He said: "My immediate task is to generate a good team spirit and get players to commit to a continuous improvement programme. I'm a great believer in both the team and work ethic.

"We won't achieve anything unless players are prepared to work hard at their games and work together to achieve success as a team."

Hares, who has been one of the most successful Gloucestershire players, feels his background should help him motivate his team.

He said: "I can relate with the difficulties players face and am also in a good position to constantly remind players how all the effort is worthwhile when the rewards come."

His golf career started at Knowle. He won the South West Colts Championship at Saunton in 1981 and made his county first team debut the same year at the age of 17.

He won the West of England Winter Foursomes at Burnham and Berrow with Sue Shapcott in 1986, the Phoenix Scratch Open at Cirencester and the county Colts Championship at Lilley Brook the same year. He was county champion in 1990.

He has won several Duchess Salver events, the last being the Knowle Gold Medal in 1999. Last year he was captain when Gloucestershire second team won the Wessex Salver.

His new vice captain is Bristol and Clifton colleague Doug Young who is expected to continue as a first team player this year.