The Barnbougle Dunes course was designed by renowned golf course architects Tom Doak and Mike Clayton in 2004 and has grown in worldwide stature ever since. Owner, Richard Sattler, understood that flying to Tasmania for one round of golf was a big ask for most golfers, so he turned to these two legendary designers to develop a second golf course, Lost Farm, in 2010.
The rest is history, as they say.
For many golfers, the feedback seemed to be that while Barnbougle Dunes is indeed spectacular, it’s also a little intimidating to the average club golfer. Lost Farm was a chance for designers Coore and Crenshaw to design the layout to be “easier” for the mid-to-high handicappers. And while the Lost Farm course is still challenging, they’ve definitely succeeded in making it more accessible.
Let’s jump in and take a look at what separates Lost Farm from her sister golf course Barnbougle Dunes.
Lost Farm Golf Course; What To Expect
The first thing you notice standing on the tee is just how wide and expansive the fairways are. I must admit, it’s a nice change considering many of the modern courses tend to have narrow fairways lined with giant pines.
Now although the fairways are as wide as an 8-lane highway, don’t let that fool you into a false sense of security. Miss any of the fairways at Lost Farm, and your ball is probably never likely to be seen again. Thick rough lines each fairway, putting a premium on staying in the short cut. The Lost Farm golf course does employ the “the Irish drop,” though, which simply means you can take a lateral drop with a one-stroke penalty.
Unlike Ocean Dunes and many courses in Melbourne, this amazing course is pretty forgiving, making it the ideal challenge for mid to high handicappers. Most links courses are known for their unforgiving nature, so it’s great to see Australia leading the way. If you do find the course too challenging, you can drown your sorrows at the lost farm restaurant.
One of the most unique features I’ve ever seen at Lost farm is the fact there are 20 holes, that’s right, the scorecard has 20 holes, not the traditional 18. Bill Coore had designed these as “potential” holes but never planned on using them, That is, until the owner played them and loved the holes so much they stayed.
The fairways are hard and fast, which to some degree helps the lower higher handicappers, especially in getting a bit more distance off the tee. Although the sand dunes are monstrous on the course, Lost farm itself is considerably “flatter” compared to its world-class next door neighbour. Lost Farm is one of those courses where even after months, you can still remember every hole.
Lost Farm Golf Course Signature Holes
There are some spectacular holes at Lost Farm, many of which have undulating greens that are still ingrained in memory months after playing them. let’s take a look at a few of my favorites.
The par 3, 4th hole
The par 3, 4th hole offers stunning views and provides a glimpse of Barnbougle Dunes off in the distance. The green is relatively small and undulating, and if the wind gets up, look out. This hole reminds me of the iconic Pebble Beach.
The par 4, 5th hole
This 400-meter monster is not intimidating but provides a breathtaking view as you stand on the tee. The holes meander alongside an estuary, and a massive green awaits up ahead. From the tee, the green is pretty much hidden by sand dunes, which you’ll need to carry if you want any chance of reaching the green in two. If you can walk away with a par here, thank your lucky stars
The par 4, 14th hole and 15th hole
These are the last of the holes that provide breathtaking views out to Tasmania’s north east coast and give you a glimpse of the lost farm restaurant and health spa perched atop the dunes. The par 4, 14th is drivable for the longer hitters, while the 15th is a dramatic long par 3, which seems even longer thanks to the howling winds.
Practice Facilities at Lost farm
For those who like to get some practice in before teeing off, the practice facilities at Barnbougle Dune ssand Lost Farm don’t disappoint. Both of the courses provide world-class practice facilities, including:
- A driving range
- Multiple putting greens
- Chipping and pitching greens
- Practice bunkers
The last time I played the course, a bucket of range balls cost $6.00. Well worth the money.
Staying for a few nights? Why not book a lesson with one of the accredited PGA professionals to pick up a few tips? There is a range of options when it comes to lessons, everything from 30-minute lessons to 18-hole playing lessons. Just be sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Travel, Play And Stay in Style At Lost Farm
What better way to experience the beauty of Lost Farm than by booking our 4-Day Barnbougle & Ratho Farm Tour? Your day at Lost Farm kicks off with breakfast at the lost farm restaurant.
After enjoying a day out on the greens and walking the fairways, you’ll be wicked away to the Sebel Hotel, your stunning accommodation for the night. On arrival, you’ll receive a complimentary bottle of the House of Arras, a premium Tasmanian sparkling wine.
After settling in and winding down from the day’s play, a three-course meal of the highest standards awaits at the award-winning restaurant. The restaurant was voted Accor Pacific’s Franchise Restaurant of the Year in 2019 and provides guests with a genuine farm-to-plate experience along with Tasmania’s best wines, whiskeys, and gins.
