Witney Lakes have acquired the services of European Tour player Mark Booth, who is joining as a teaching and playing professional.

The 36-year-old, who has been a regular on the European, Asian and African Tours has won more than 50 professional events.

The holder of ten course records, Booth is the reigning Berks Bucks & Oxfordshire Open champion, having won the title at Castle Royal.

Booth, who has held club pro jobs at Barrow-in-Furness, Princes Risborough and Abbey Hill (Milton Keynes), will be specialising in the corporate golf day market.

He joined the European Tour in 1997, but has since been troubled by a shoulder injury. He was given an exemption from having to attend the qualifying school, and so can play in a handful of tour events. "Although I'm now fully fit, my prime interest this year is the Witney Golf Centre," said Booth.

"I'll not only be head of the corporate side, but I'll be training young assistants and promising young players."

Fitness is becoming a major part of golf, and Booth will be working with fitness staff at The Waters Edge Health Club.

Booth is particularly looking forward to the setting up of a new indoor teaching academy, which is under development at Witney Lakes.

"I'm going to be very busy," he said.