Starting in Invercargill, he has worked his way up the country as a qualified coach and club professional.
Two weeks ago he started his new job at the Rotorua Golf Course as the club pro.
"I explored the option of working as a coach overseas but Rotorua fitted us better - so I couldn't resist when the opportunity came up."
Barkley said he was now looking forward to new challenges in Rotorua.
"Basically this was the next step as a golf pro for me," he said.
"The course is a bit different [in Rotorua] with all the thermal activity, and that was quite attractive. It is not every day people get to come and play a course like this."
Barkley said he had a few ideas he would like to get started on in the city and club.
"When I started at Whakatane the junior golf was non-existent. I basically gave that a bit of a kick and I'm looking to do the same here."
He said he would also like to introduce more coaching opportunities for beginner players.
"I'd like to see more coaching in general. Coaching is the way for people to get better and to keep them in the game.
"If Joe Bloggs starts playing the game and finds they are not improving, or keeps struggling with it, they will give up, basically."
Barkley, who also studied sports psychology at Otago University, said he really enjoyed coaching and was looking forward to helping players develop in Rotorua.
Barkley is yet to play a round at Arikikapakapa but said he was planning to go for a swing next Wednesday, following a busy start to the top job.
Barkley is living in Rotorua with his daughter and his wife, with his wife often helping him in the pro shop.
He has filled the position left by former club professional John Weston, who stepped down after 12 years in the role.
