It received the Southern Turf Managers Association's annual award last week for being the ''best-presented course'' in the region, which covers the area from Christchurch south.
Scott Nevill (23) has been superintendent of the Dunstan course since completing his apprenticeship at the Wanaka Golf Club three years ago.
Modest about the accolade, he says the award was ''a bit of a surprise'' but a good achievement for the club.
''I'm the only person who is paid to look after the course but I don't do it alone. It would be a hell of a push, especially in spring and summer when it's really busy. There's a whole team of volunteers who help me out,'' he said yesterday.
''It's been a long, hard three years, working up to this point, but there's always room for improvement.''
Dunstan Golf Club vice-president Barry McCall said it was a ''high accolade indeed'' for the club.
''For a small, nine-hole course like Dunstan to win this ahead of all the other courses is very meritorious.
''Club members are ecstatic with Scott's work and for the club to get this recognition. It's very prestigious, especially for a little club, and we pride ourselves on presenting the course as neat and tidy.
"We've got garden areas and walking paths through it and recreational walkers often use it, so it's really a public amenity,'' Mr McCall said.
Mr Nevill, who grew up in Clyde, said it was a privilege to work on the Dunstan course for his first job in turf management.
Describing himself as ''not really a golfer'' he declined to reveal his golf handicap.
''Don't ask ... I just have a social bat every now and again. I certainly wouldn't call myself a golfer.''
Asked what was next he said it would be business as usual.
''We'll just keep on doing our thing and making improvements when we can.''
