After 13 tournaments the resort's trainee professional is ranked eighth out of more than 100 players on the NSW trainee Order of Merit.

Barton, a former RAAF logistics worker, applied for discharge last year so he could join Dunes head professional David Lulham in December.

"I decided to apply for a discharge so I could focus on my golf and I've really enjoyed it so far...I'm learning a lot," he said.

Barton secured the top-10 spot with a two-over score at this month's Wyong Trainee Pro Am.

"That was pretty good, but my best round was even par at the Links Shell Cove Resort (in February)."

The Sunshine Coast product said his goal for the first of three years as a trainee was to finish in the top five players on the Order of Merit, announced in November.

Prize money is also on the mind of the 27-year-old apprentice, who will debut on the PGA Pro Am Circuit at Muswellbrook on May 5, where players will vie for their share of $15,000. Barton will also contest the Victorian and Queensland championships in the coming months.