Lancaster, 42, has been at Green Drive since 1992 – but now he is plotting a new career path away from that club after beating off scores of applicants to take over at Fairhaven this spring.

He said: "I am very excited about moving to Fairhaven, but in some ways I am heartbroken to be leaving Green Drive after nearly 20 years because I am leaving many friends behind, and a lot of the membership have grown up while I have been there.

"But I am bubbling with excitement at taking on the job at Fairhaven.
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"There is so much going on there in terms of the kind of events that are coming to the club and the potential there is fantastic.

"It is terrifying in one sense to think about what I am taking on, but at the same time I can't wait to get my teeth into it.

"I have been very happy at Green Drive, and there have been a few tears already at the thought of leaving, but no disrespect to the club, this new job is one hell of a challenge and one that I could not turn down."

Lancaster began his professional golfing life as an assistant at the Gog Magog club in Cambridgeshire before switching north to Royal Lytham and St Annes, where he worked as an assistant.

He took up the job of head pro at Green Drive in 1992.

Bob Thompson, the Fairhaven secretary, said: "Andrew brings to the club a vast amount of experience as a professional both in the management of a golf shop and golf tuition, for which he is highly regarded.

"Andrew is an extremely experienced and enthusiastic golf coach, who is continually developing his own coaching skills.

"He will also provide a well-stocked shop, which will accommodate the needs of all, as well as a bespoke club-fitting service."

Lancaster replaces long-serving Brian Plucknett at Fairhaven.

He is due to take over officially on April 1, but he may not make the move until May 1 depending on how quickly the vacancy at Green Drive is filled.

There will be another member of the Lancaster household making the move to Fairhaven – Andrew's wife Jo.

He said: "Jo helps me out in the shop at Green Drive and she will do the same job at Fairhaven. It will be like having another professional working with me!"

Meantime, Green Drive have advertised for a successor, saying that the person they are seeking is a professional of similar standing and quality as Lancaster.

Green Drive secretary/manager Ian Stewart admitted Lancaster's departure would leave a big gap.

He said: "After serving members and visitors alike for over 18 years Andrew and his wife, Jo, have been a focal part of the golf club and will both be sadly missed by all at Green Drive.

"Andrew has been a superb ambassador for the golf club and his enthusiasm for golf knows no bounds, as I am sure the members of Fairhaven will quickly discover.

"I would like to wish Andrew every success for the future, and I am certain his successor will find him a hard act to follow."