SAUNTON’S staging of the 2011 championships evoked memories of Dorset’s glory years for the hosts’ general manager Peter McMullen.

Although Dorset have not won the inter-counties shield since the mid-seventies, they have qualified for the English County finals on four occasions, winning it once at Kings Norton in 1992.

And McMullen, a former Ferndown player, was an integral part of those early teams.

“We were blessed with many naturally-gifted players in 1992 and couldn’t fail to succeed with that team,” said McMullen, who spent 20 years with Dorset and was captain between 1998-2000.

“Good teams come in cycles, but I think it is important for players to commit for the week and I insisted on that during my time as captain,” he added.

Among the triumphant 1992 team was Lee James, who went on to win the British Amateur Championship in 1994. He was also part of the Walker Cup team that beat the USA, including Tiger Woods, at Royal Porthcawl a year later.

The team also produced two of Dorset’s most successful professionals in Martyn Thompson (Parkstone) and Michael Watson (Wessex Golf Centre).

Dorset also had the experience of seven-time county champion Tony Lawrence and former captain Rodger Hearn, while Park-stone’s Steve Edgley was an American university champion.

And the non-playing captain of the day was Weymouth’s Doug Pratt who is now the county’s president.

• Spanish Ryder Cup star Sergio Garcia won the British Boys’ Championship at Saunton in 1997.