Eaton's Peter Johns is the toast of his profession after being named winner of the prestigious Golf Club Manager of the Year competition.

He came through a rigorous selection process against stiff opposition to take the national title at the annual meeting of the Golf Club Managers' Association.

The organisation describes the competition as its way of 'recognising and rewarding secretaries and managers who have displayed outstanding leadership credentials'.

Johns, who has been Eaton's manager since 2008, said: 'This is a reward both for the club and myself.'

Club captain Terry Hewitt said: 'We are tremendously proud of Peter and all he has achieved. It is not only an honour for him but also for Eaton.'

What makes Johns' success particularly notable is that this is his first job as a golf club manager and he has rapidly made his way to the pinnacle of his profession. 'This is as good as it gets so far in my career,' he said.

'It's all about making a difference. All golf clubs are faced with change and as managers we can help to manage that change and make sure golf thrives in the future.'

He views his role as adding value to the club and paid tribute to the support of past and present board members, among them Mike Hart, Colin Campbell and Colin Brown, who had helped to drive initiatives which won the admiration of the judges.

These included the introduction of a strategic plan which focuses the work of the board.

Johns has also worked to welcome the community into the golf club by, for example, shutting the course during one afternoon last year to stage a nature trail and treasure hunt as part of the club's centenary celebrations. It attracted more than 100 people and generated a number of new social memberships.

During Johns' tenure, the club's franchised catering system has been brought in-house and an online tee booking has been introduced.

He has also taken the certificate in golf club management at Bucks New University.

Although Johns has been club manager for only a short time – after previously working in civil engineering and financial services – his connection with Eaton is long and deeply rooted.

He joined the club as a member in 1979, moving from his first club Mundesley, and joked: 'People do say if you cut me in half you would find Eaton Golf Club written though me.

'I'm passionate and always have been about the golf club and it does make you go the extra mile.'