One of the most unique golf courses in the country will host its final tournament this weekend, before it closes later in the year.

The Nopera Bay Golf Club overlooks the waters of the Marlborough Sounds and features fairways dotted with sheep and small electric fences to keep them off the greens.

It was established by a small group of families and residents in 1991, but will close in October after 25 years.

The golf course, in the Kenepuru Sound, was built on land leased from a Nopera Bay farmer who had decided not to renew the lease.

Golf club president Chris McMahon said he did not blame the farmer, knowing he agonised over the decision but needed to expand his farm.

Marama McMahon said occasionally the fences short-circuited, or people forgot to turn them off, so you would hear yells from around the course.

The club had about 60 members, who were often joined by tourists, amazed at having found a place to play golf in the middle of the Sounds.

“The word they use to describe it is ‘unique’, they’re often Americans who are absolutely gobsmacked at the sheep and the views,” he said.

“The scenery is as good as any other course in the world.”

McMahon acknowledged none of the members were “crash hot” at golf, but said the club had created a sense of camaraderie.

McMahon and his wife used to live on a farm in the Kenepuru Sound, around four kilometres from their closest neighbour, so they could go days without seeing anyone.

Having a place to play golf bonded the community together, he said.

“A lot of people in the Sound play golf now because it’s the only sporting facility that’s there.

The nine-hole course, which is a New Zealand Golf recognised facility, was maintained by volunteers and had a number of signature holes.

The fifth tee was elevated above the course with tremendous views of the Sound, he said.