On Par – All about golf in Australia

Overview – Barnbougle Dunes Golf Course
Barnbougle Dunes lies on Scottish links-like landscape on the Tasmanian North Coast, an easy hours drive from Launceston. There has been plenty written about the course and owner Richard Sattler whose ideas and dreams have been realised in a new World Golfing mecca. Designed by Tom Doak and Mike Clayton, Barnbougle Dunes was ranked at No. 4 in the Australian Golf Digest 2010 Top 100 Australian courses, Golf course guide ranks Barnbougle the top public access course in Australia and the Top 100 courses site ranks the course at 45th in the world. Fine praise indeed, and the course lives up to the hype and accolades. The first thing that greets you on arrival is a relaxed atmosphere, Barnbougle must be one of the most laid back courses in the entire worlds Top 100. Basically relax and enjoy the ride!

The Layout
Tom Doak has created a magical layout winding through the seaside dunes in Tasmania. The opening par 5 eases you into the round but by the time you play the 4th, the course has accelerated to awesome! Many holes run between and around untouched dunes, with most of the rough made up by coastal grasses, they consume golf balls! An “Irish drop rule” is in place for lost balls, drop taken at point of entry to the rough for a 1 shot penalty. This local rule alone should be enough to ensure that you carry plenty of balls. There are no motorised carts on the course, big wheeled push buggies are available, though I would recommend carrying your clubs if possible.

Favourite Holes

Fourth hole – Par 4 271 metres, index 17

At only 271 metres from the tips, the par 4 Fourth hole initially tempts the driver to be pulled from the bag. A huge dune obscures some of the direct line from the tee, a large bunker will punish anything less than perfect, but an accurate drive could find its way onto the dancefloor. On further review of the hole from the tee, the driver will often be swapped for iron. Of course, laying up next to the bunker presents a blind second to the raised green. A classic risk and reward, short par 4, requiring careful thought and shot selection.
Seventh Hole – Par 3 112 metres, Index 12

The short par 3 has almost gone the way of the Tasmanian Devil in modern golf course architecture, so a big shoutout to Tom Doak for creating the exquisite little par 3 seventh. At only 112 metres from the back tees, its tiny yet punishing if not treated with respect, huge bunkers protect the small raised green. If the wind is blowing, the exposed hole will grow even more teeth. Treat with respect.

Seventeenth Hole – Par 4 400 metres, index 3


Barnbougle Dunes has more than its fair share of great views from tees, this is yet another one. Looking out over the rivermouth and out to sea, this exposed tee is a Kodak moment, with no wind its a daunting drive to avoid fairway traps and rough, with wind I can only imagine the increased severity of the tee shot. Having negotiated the drive successfully, the angled green is a narrow target for a medium to long iron approach.

The Word
Barnbougle Dunes, believe the hype. In only five years, the course has established itself as one of Australia’s best layouts. Do yourself a favour and plan a trip to one of the World’s newest golfing destinations, and with Lost Farm Golf Course just opened next door, its got to be one of the best locations in Australia for a short break golfing trip.

Course details
Barnbougle Dunes
- Par 72
- 6,148 metres (Forrester)
- Address: Near Bridport, Tasmania (One hour drive from Launceston)
- Proshop: 03 6356 0094
- Course Bookings