Thanks to its service, communication, hospitality and well-maintained course the club was given the award at Marsfield’s Curzon Hall on Sunday.

The honour was also a recognition of Bathurst’s membership numbers, which NSW Golf has highlighted as being some of the greatest by percentage in the state.

Club professional Matt Barrett was part of the representative group who made the trip to the awards night and was stunned when he heard Bathurst called out.

“We were up against some very big clubs. Nelson’s Bay, for instance, is a massive 27 hole course. We were very proud to be among that company,” he said.

“They went through the nominees – it felt a bit like the Oscars – and when they said the winner was Bathurst we all yelled, cheered and high-fived each other and celebrated into the wee hours.”

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What is it that makes Bathurst such a special club?

For Barrett it’s about the atmosphere created by the staff and some of the best greens the region has to offer.

“The staff culture at the club is a part of it, and we’re focused on making golf fun up there,” he said.

“When people come in they’re possibly getting away from a hard week at work and want them to enjoy a nice break.

“My guys in the pro shop do a great job of making people feel welcome. The green keepers do an amazing job of presenting the golf course. Our greens are regarded as some of the best in NSW.

“This award wasn’t just one person’s win, it was the whole club’s win including the members.”

Because of those factors it should come as no surprise to members that numbers at the club have been on the rise over the past few years.

Bathurst sits in rare company when it comes to its growth figures and that makes Barrett incredibly proud of all the staff and members.

“We’re one of only five clubs in the last five years to have their membership grow by 15 per cent with each year,” he said.

“They’ve been doing roadshows around the state on how to get clubs up and running and they’ve been using us as an example.”

Bathurst Golf Club general manager Brad Constable echoed Barrett’s praise for the members and staff.

“We’re growing at 15 per cent per year. That was the real kicker because if you don’t grow your membership base then you’re going to struggle,” he said.

“We’ve hosted Golf NSW’s blue ribband events over the last couple years, like the NSW Seniors and the NSW Mid Amateur tournaments.

“Now we’re locked in for three years, starting in 2019, to host the NSW Country Championships.

“The profile that Bathurst golf course is getting around the state is a big feather in our cap.”

Bathurst has also been a popular venue for Jack Newton Junior Golf tournaments in recent years.