RETIRED dentist Andrew Barr, who has been appointed next year's president of the Lancashire Union of Golf Clubs, certainly knows the drill when it comes to encouraging budding young players to raise their game to a higher level.

He became involved with the county junior boys when he joined the board of directors in 2004 and, having served as captain and chairman, has seen their numbers increase from 50 to an impressive 250.

Barr, a member of Grange Park Golf Club since 1953, has also served on championship, selection and coaching committees but golf is just one of his many sporting interests.

He played hockey up to county level and enjoyed offshore yacht racing and was part of a crew that won the Irish Sea Championship three times.

A lifelong golfer and past captain of his club, his lowest handicap was two and he represented Lancashire Colts in 1962.

His partner Gill is a past lady captain of Sherdley Park and sons Aiden and Rory have both been sailing internationals.

Barr graduated in dentistry at Liverpool University and had in his own practice for 46 years.