Romsey Golf Club has a new head professional, although the face will be a familiar one to many of the club's members.

James Pitcher took over from the long-serving Mark Desmond at the start of this month, and is thrilled to be back.

"I'm very glad to have returned and I'm really excited about being part of the club again," said the 27-year-old.

"It's been nice to start at about the time of the US Masters - when people get the golf buzz again after the winter - and great to see so many familiar faces at the club."

Pitcher turned professional in 1997 and worked initially as a trainee at Brokenhurst Manor for six years before moving to Romsey in 2002 as the teaching assistant under the guidance of Desmond.

The Rownhams player then moved to Wickham Park as head pro in 2005 before accepting the chance of a second stint at Romsey.

An accomplished player, Pitcher has five pro-am victories under his belt and is a past winner of the Hampshire Young Professionals' Championship.

Keen to continue Desmond's good work, he acknowledged a huge debt to his former teaching mentor, who has returned to Southwick Park GC as the playing professional after 18 years at Romsey.

"Mark is a tough act to follow. If I can be half as good and last half as long, I'll be pleased.

"During my three years under him I learnt a lot about teaching, retail and all the facets of being a top club pro - he was an astounding knowledge base.

"I wish him the very best in his new post at Southwick Park."

Meanwhile, Pitcher hopes to expand the teaching side of his duties at Romsey while still competing in Hampshire PGA tournaments.

"I'm looking forward to serving the membership and aim to put into place some plans to expand the teaching side of the job, and help to improve the golf of as many members as possible.

"I won't be deserting competition golf completely and will be playing in a number of Hampshire PGA events. I'm only 27 and I hope there's a few wins left in me yet."

Win, lose or draw, Pitcher can certainly count on the support of the members, club captain Brian Saunders adding: "James was always a firm favourite with the members during his first spell and I'm delighted he's back with us. He's a young man with fresh ideas and it's an exciting time for all of us."

Romsey's winter finals recently concluded with G Bugden, J Bridge, Anne Tate, D MIller, M Judkins and J Smith all receiving trophies and prizes.

Club captain Brian Saunders holds his 'drive-in' on Sunday, April 16 at 11.45am.