Barnbougle Dunes opened its undulating greens, fairway bunkers, driving range, and pristine coastline in 2012. Designed by Mike Clayton, and Greg Ramsey, the standout holes and green complexes are simply world-class.
Interestingly, Barnbougle Dunes is the sister course to Barnbougle Lost farm, with both golf courses offering a golfing challenge with large bunkers, sandy waste, and the odd blind tee shot.
Designer Mike Clayton has blended spectacular scenery with demanding holes that are lined with fescue grass, pacific dunes, and the occasional raised green. Folks, Barnbougle Dunes, and lost Farm are bucket-list golf courses for any serious golfer.
What To Expect At Barnbougle Dunes Golf Course
Snaking its way along the ancient and majestic sand dunes of Northeast Tasmania, the aptly named, Barnbougle Dunes is another Michael Clayton and Greg Ramsey masterpiece. Barnbougle Dunes was the first of the two courses to open at the resort and was designed in conjunction with Tom Doak bringing the course onto the same level as those found in Melbourne, King Island, and Adelaide.
As with all of these courses, Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm have stunning accommodations with modern minimalistic design qualities that blend remarkably well with the surrounding natural beauty of Tasmania. If you’re looking for a course to impress your friends from the mainland with, Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm are it.
While there is a split opinion as to whether Barnbougle Dunes is Tom Doaks’ best work, what all golfers can agree on is that it is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular and challenging golf courses you’re ever likely to play. The greens are slick and well-manicured, the fairway bunkers are strategically placed, and the false front on some of the greens can make for a tricky approach shot.
The short driveable par 4 is a standout hole and is easily on par with some of the best sandbelt courses anywhere in the world. The best three holes, in my opinion, are the stretch of holes from 3 through 5; the tee shot on the 3rd is a testament to this great golf links. The holes are characterised by undulating fairways that showcase the best the sandbelt has to offer. But more on that in a minute.
Simply put, Barnbougle Dunes is bucket-list golf that must be on any serious golfer’s “to-play list.”
Barnbougle Dunes Golf Course Standout Holes
The Par 3, 7th Hole At Barnbougle Dunes
The par 3, 7th hole measuring 122 yards, is undoubtedly the signature hole at Barnbougle Dunes Golf Course. Similar to the famous 67th hole at the iconic Pepple Beach, length doesn’t play a factor. The large bunker and small green make this hole tough, and with the false front and a green that runs away in all directions, the tee shot can be downright diabolical, especially if ther wind gets up.
The green is bordered by deep bunkers to the left, and there is a bunker that sends shivers up your spine at the back right of the green, If you want to play safe, your best option is “short-right,” where you can then play your approach shot to the green; be careful, though, if using a lofted wedge as the lie is tight.
When the wind blows, it is generally a headwind which is a bonus actually because it can soften the landing on the green; that said, when the winds howl, shot selection becomes a nightmare.
The Par 3, 5th hole at Barnbougle Dunes
In recent years many course designers have moved away from designing long, demanding par 3s, but the par 3 5th at Barnbougle Dunes, is an outstanding throwback to the long pars 3s of yesteryear.
The tee shot has you looking down onto the green below, which the designers have labeled a “punchbowl.” Thre are a number of ways you can attack thre pin, but if the wind is down, the best tee shot should be aimed directly at the large sand dunes behind the green. Many golfers also approach the left side of the green and let the green feed the ball close to the pin using the natural undulations.
A huge bunker hampers your view of the green, giving the tee shot a similar feel to a blind approach shot. The feeling of ripping a “laserbeam” mid-iron and then letting the green do the rest of the work is exhilarating “old-school golf” rarely found on the softer courses of North America. Barnbougle Dunes does Australia and Tasmania proud.
Birdies and Bogey at Barnbougle Dunes Golf Course
Birdie
The 15th hole par 4 is an excellent birdie chance, even for mid-to-high handicappers. Although the hole is flanked by the majestic great forester river, it doesn’t really come into play unless you hit a vicious slice or a “snap-hook” if you’re a lefty.
If you can carry the large fairway bunker, which sits about 240 yards away, then you’re left with an easy approach shot. If you’re not a big hitter, your best option is to lay up short of the fairway bunker and attack the pin with a wedge; both are an excellent chance at birdie.
Bogey
Barnbougle Dunes is a challenging golf course, so a bogey, or double, literally waits at virtually every hole. However, the hole to watch for is the long par 4, 8th, measuring in at 488 yards.
Your tee shot will need to hold the left side of the fairway if you’re to have any chance of reaching the green in two. Although the right side of the fairway is open, it will leave you hitting, and blind approach shot which means you’ll have to carry the two bunkers that guard the green.
Simply put, the par 4, 8th, at Barnbougle Dunes, while stunningly beautiful, is also treacherous.
Play Barnbougle Dunes In Style With A Luxury Tour
Want to experience Barnbougle Dunes in luxury? Our 4-day Barnbougle and Ratho Farm Tour is a must-book. What better way to play two of Australia’s most iconic golf courses, Barnbougle Dunes and its sister course Lost Farm?
Both the Dunes and the scenery are some of the best the southern hemisphere has to offer. Rugged coastal cliffs, unhindered views of the bass strait, great company, and a challenging golf course; it doesn’t get much better.
After you’re done, sit back and enjoy the splendors of the local produce while sipping a glass of Tasmanian wine. Lodging is either at the Lost Farm or Barnbougle Dunes, providing you not only with luxurious accommodations but the perfect gateway to explore north east Tasmania.
