Barnbougle Dunes

North-East, TAS | User Rating: Rate-4 (4.5) | Add A Review

Golfing at Barnbougle Dunes is an unforgettable outdoors experience. The crashing surf of Bass Strait is visible from most holes, and audible from all. Few golf courses can boast such a variety of surrounding water bodies.

Barnbougle Dunes is flanked by Bass Strait, the Trent tidal estuary, freshwater tea-tree wetlands, and the Forester River, having meandered its way down from the distant peaks of Mt Maurice.

The Barnbougle Dunes Golf Links includes practice facilities, 15 villas and public clubhouse with cafe bar, pro shop, and restaurant/function room.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

  • Name: Barnbougle Dunes
  • Region: North-East, TAS
  • Address: 426 Waterhouse Rd
    Bridport, 7262, Tasmania, Australia
  • Directions: View Aerial Map »
    View Map »
  • Proshop: (03) 6356 0094
  • General: (03) 6356 0094
  • Tollfree:
  • Holes: 18
  • Metres: 6200m
  • Par: 72
1. DarthWack | Rated | 14 May 2013 | Add A Review

Played here in early May, the course was in great condition as you would expect. The front nine was the better nine, with holes 4-5-6-7-8 being a epic stretch of holes. We were lucky with the weather it rained right up to when we hit off then become a beautiful day. I thought the greens on the back nine were some of the most extravagant I have ever putted on, they really encourage you to use your imagination.

PROS

  • Greens on the back nine.
  • The location.
  • Layout a design of the front nine.

Cons

  • American lad in the pro shop was abrupt.

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2. Th13rteen | Rated | 07 Feb 2013 | Add A Review

Lost Farm is prolly the best course I have played in Oz and the best overall golfing experience. Ever. The staff have gone over and above any expectations.

40 holes of pure enjoyment. Plays to my Strengths and enables me to brush up on my weaknesses. Hit all the par 5’ in 2. The par 3’s take some thought with the wind in play. This course is a shot shaper’s dream. Pro shop guy was friendly and heaps of stock.

Accommodation was sufficient (shouldn’t boast about the natural surrounds and leaving technologies unpacked in your luggage when you have two TVs in the room and an annoying ipod/alarm clock at the bedside table. There’s enough electro-magnetic interference going on in that room that there is no need for your own devices to assist in causing insomnia.)

The food was amazing
Plan to attend every year

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3. davelp | Rated | 07 Dec 2012 | Add A Review

Made a return visit to Barnbougle after about 6 years. Just keeps getting better!! Had surprising mild weather in comparison to previous times. 4th and 7th still have wow factor.The 8th,never kind. Back nine, is there a weak hole. Played off the tips, so that didn’t help. Wonderful.
Also included Lost Farm on the trip. The bar has been raised. Great facilities at Barnbougle have been trumped across the board with Lost Farm. Superb layout. Fantastic fun par 3’s. Visually stunning throughout the 18 holes. Accomodation, excellent. Dining experience, something to remember for a long time.Can honestly say it’s great value for what is on offer. Friendly helpful staff, make this a visit worth doing many times over. Tell your friends.

4. fergmoo | Rated | 21 Nov 2012 | Add A Review

Played Barnbougle dunes recently, the wind on day one was 50km + and found the course extremely difficult off the terracotta tees. Next day conditions were perfect, the course plays very fair in calm conditions. Too many great holes to mention however the par 3 7th at 98 meters is the toughest short hole you will ever experience. The back nine has some awesome holes the stretch of 15-18 is a great finish.

Bring plenty of balls and play the Irish drop rules where you drop for one shot penalty from point of entry into thick rough.

All the staff from the pro shop and restaurant are great, bring your camera to capture the experience.

5. jpscot | Rated | 14 Nov 2012 | Add A Review

If you can pick the weather you will love this place. 1st if you are deciding on accommodation, pick the Lost Farm and dine there on your 1st night (normally booked out well in advance). Day 1 I played 40 holes at Lost Farm then 36 at Barnbougle Dunes on day 2. Why 20 holes? (2 x short par 3’s to fill in the gaps?).

Lost Farm – There’s too many good holes to mention here however Lost Farm goes bang from hole 3 (253m par 4) then a little ocean loop at 4 (par 3) then the bloody tough 5th (443m par 4)which is one of the tougher holes you will play anywhere. More strong holes with 7,8,10,11,13 of note. Grab your camera as you step on the 14th tee (263m drivable par 4 which left is best) then the par 3 15th (Wow)! 16,17 and 18 provide a very strong finish. Course was in great condition over all.

Day 2, Barnbougle Dunes really gets going from hole 3, then hole 4 (271m drivable par 4) but make sure you clear the massive bunker which is about 230m to clear. Hole 5 starts along the ocean with a 201m par 3 (My American guest aced it on this day) then the much talked about 6,7,8 stretch (8 is a brute at 446m uphill par 4 with split fairway)9,10 also strong 4’s then you get to the stupid short par 4,12th and par 3 13th with a rollercoaster green. Barnbougle thankfully finishes with a great stretch 15,16,18. Course overall was a little poorer in condition compared to Lost Farm which I favoured slightly on this occasion. Shot 4 rounds in the 70’s from the tips (Irish drop rules apply where you drop the ball at the point of entry in the rough for a 1 shot penalty). Overall this whole place has a wow factor and is suprisingly affordable. Yes the stories are true.

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6. wijegatova | Rated | 21 Apr 2012 | Add A Review

I played both the Dunes and lost farm in January 2011. The weather was great – sunny and no wind – sometimes the reflection off some of the big dunes was burning. When i first walked into the bar at Lost Farm on arrival I was greeted by huge windows overlooking at the water – a fantastic first impression. The accommodation was tremendous. There were very few people staying or playing – we had the course to ourselves and played 36 holes per day.
Both courses were fantastic. I started on the Dunes and played carefully. The fairways are nice and wide to start and holes not overly long to start. Then it hits you! The Par 3 5th is long with the green partly hidden by a big dune on the right. Every group is saw got in trouble on this dune.The 6th needs a straight drive or youre in big trouble and 8th and 9th are brutes.
The back 9 opens fairly benignly and then the 12th hole is my favourite – like no other I have played before. I looked straight ahead and thought it must be a blind tee shot. But you need to look directly left to find the hole – a tiny par 4 across a ditch to a raised green quite easily reachable if youre prepared to take on the rubbish below if you miss. The green on 13 is amazing with the bumps and hollows and elevation changes. Be careful of your drive on 18 – My drive down the left was in the bush i thought when I left the tee – but on reaching the crest of the hill found it on right side of fairway. the slope of fairway to the right and downhill is quite severe.
Lost Farm was my favourite. Slightly different in theme some of the holes are spectacular utiling much bigger dunes. Some of the tee shots are amazing with one tee at back of course on the estuary framed by two massive dunes. Elevation changes play more of a part on Lost farm and quite a tough walk up and down on the sandy pathways at the time.

PROS

  • Tremendous layout
  • love the bunkering
  • love the dunes
  • meals are sensational

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7. PBpunter | Rated | 19 Aug 2011 | Add A Review

It is worth the hype, definitely. Can’t say I have ever played a better golf course. The location and course architecture combine to make a brilliant golf experience.

Looking for negatives the only thing I could possibly say is that there are a couple of similar holes on the back nine (e.g. a couple of downwind par 5s that felt the same and a couple of short dogleg-right par 4s back into the wind that were strategically very similar), and the par 3 16th is very attractive but not as challenging as the rest of the course in my opinion. However, these things are very minor in the context of a truly great course. Just get down there and play it!

We also played Lost Farm; it’s very young and needs time to mature but I don’t think it will ever quite reach the standard of its neighbour. It is still a high-quality modern links course though (reminded me a bit of a Dunes or 13th Beach) and well worth a few rounds while your there. Has a great bar/TAB area too! A word of caution though – look out for the golf-ball stealing crows – we lost four balls in two days…

PROS

  • Can't argue with those who say it's the best in Australia

Cons

  • Nothing material
8. Robbo1975 | Rated | 25 Apr 2011 | Add A Review

Played Barnbougle with a group of guys late March ’11. A little bit breezy on the first day… but nothing too bad. The Course was magnificent. The layout is fantastic, memorable holes everywhere. The 4th is superb. 7th, what a little monster!!

Cons

  • Fairly Slow Play

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9. abbowden | Rated | 07 Mar 2011 | Add A Review

Organised a golf tour for 8 guys – played both Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm.The Dunes was a fantastic layout and the weather was fantastic – a bit of wind but nothing to really worry about. There were some slow players (looked like beginners) in front and they held up the field for the first half dozen holes but the marshall was soon on the case and the field moved OK from then on.
Unfortunately the same could not be said of the Lost Farm ….
We were scheduled to tee off at 9:30 but didn’t get away until 10:15. We waited for 8 groups to tee off before us and they were all A or B grade golfers judging by their drives and second shots on the first, so no beginners to hold the field up! We waited on every tee with the group in front. There were no delays due to players looking for balls etc… the only explanation that we came up with was that there were simply too many players on the course. We managed 14 holes in just under 5 hrs when we had to quit to catch our flight. This occurred at the week-end when management were probably trying to optimise the number of players they push through the course but this leads to a high level of dissatisfaction and we will not play there again.
The course? Obviously in the early stages of settling down – some good holes but 10,11, and 12 are a bit ordinary. Nowhere near as good as the Dunes.

10. thejackal98 | Rated | 15 Feb 2011 | Add A Review

Well i convinced the wife for a trip to Tassy deal was for every day of golf there had to be a day of hiking, best deal i have done, this is the best course i have ever played, true links course with the design being so smart the architect thought about this design the green where my highlight, half of africas elephants are buried there. gotta go and play it, one advice though play early due to crowds ( atleast when i was there)

LOST FARM: was beautifall aswell lost farm was in better condition though it did play easier than the dunes, i had my reservations cause io thought they would re gurgitate the dunes course but they didnt.

AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME

Also Bridport the town is cute

11. Skasey2 | Rated | 07 Dec 2010 | Add A Review

Gold!

12. cowrigeswad | Rated | 10 Nov 2010 | Add A Review

Simply the best golfing experience I have had. Superb greens, jaw droppingly good views, wide rolling fairways, just get on a plane and play it. Was a bit worried that the hype was overdone, but it is even better than I thought it would be. Wind was a factor, hit 7 iron 80m into the wind, played with the wind, hit pitching wedge 140. Couldn`t wipe the smile off my face both times ! Stayed at the course, accommodation was simple but ample, dining room superb, practice facilities better than most, staff excellent. Bucket lists are for people who haven`t been to Barnbougle, can`t wait to go back.

13. derekbeard | Rated | 01 Nov 2010 | Add A Review

Great course. Turned up a bit anxious after a friend said I wouldn’t break 100 off the back tees. No wind!
There were many memorable holes and a couple of driveable par 4’s. Fairways were great and wide. I just wish I could putt!!! It is a must play and I wish I had time to play Lost Farm. Will be back to play again. I did break 100 and I am still waiting for the drink!

14. jacksully | Rated | 29 Sep 2010 | Add A Review

best course in australia..if you think different..your wrong

15. NWABP | Rated | 15 Mar 2010 | Add A Review

Played early Mar2010. Fantastic golf on a superb course. Weather was flat, calm sunny but not hot. The 8th confused me – until I worked out it is designed to be played WITH the traditional wind, not in a calm and mild day (417m to an uphill green with no approach neck). It is very hard to lose a ball on this course, the fairways are so wide.

Greens are always going to make you think and they put a premium on the right spot or leave. The greens are true as true can be with no grain apparent – bring your imagination!

Accommodation is very comfortable and just a short walk to the clubhouse.

16. MrTED | Rated | 08 Feb 2010 | Add A Review

Wow…

Played there last week and it was nothing short of amazing. The wind is a big factor here, as everyone else has said, however we only had a mild to medium wind so it was very playable from the Terracotta markers.

Although a tough course in some of it’s layouts and it certainly challenged the more competitive players in our group, we had a social player (relative beginner) who played with us and he was able to play and enjoy the day as well (without losing too many balls).

Risk / reward is a big factor here… you will find yourself questioning the many options available to you and will undoubtedly come off on the wrong side if you play too aggressively. Do not think for a moment that you can tame this course. I played to two under my handicap which was a pleasant suprise, but I am not silly enough to think I could do that next time. My score only came from several well placed risk shots which really saved my round.

The scenery is amazing, the course is very well maintained in stark contrast to the rest of the countryside and the staff were friendly. I hope to see you again Barnbougle… and maybe next time you will be a little kinder.

17. jards | Rated | 18 Jan 2010 | Add A Review

Had a round at Barnbougle on the 10th of December, and it was everything I’d hope for. Our 8am tee off worked out well as the wind didn’t really get up until the back 9. I only noticed the wind when I was hitting with it as my tee shots got some great length. Not being a big hitter I was very happy to see my 3 wood go 275m on one par 5.

The layout and condition of the course could not be faulted, with only a par 3, 16th a little disappointing. Other then that it’s by far best course I’ve ever played.

I’m already planing my return trip back with the boys, I suggest others do the same.

18. RockinRenz | Rated | 22 Dec 2009 | Add A Review

Played Barnbougle on December 4, stroke off the tips.

Our first tee time was 7.30am and already it was blowing sideways, and I do mean sideways; buggys moving, pushing to walk into it, hitting 5 iron 105… It was brutally difficult off the blacks, and in hindsight we bit off way more than we could chew. Nevertheless, it is an extraordinary golf course, perhaps better in reflection than when actually considering whether i should play my 5th off the tee (on 17) or hope to find one of my first 4..

The afternoon was a much better and far, far easier game off the whites. Drivable (and some reachable in 2) par 4’s. The wind was still howling though.

The guy at the pro shop (Heath??) straight faced told us that it only blows like that for 16 days a year on average. I guess we were unlucky because it did detract from the experience. I will be back though to play in hopefully better conditions, so it can be appreciated. The actual golf course is everything that has been described plenty of times before; almost unparalleled.

The accommodation and the clubhouse, food, bar, staff are all excellent. A must do; check the weather…

19. GD70 | Rated | 05 Nov 2009 | Add A Review

As you can see from previous reviews it can get pretty windy. The frustration for me is that both times I have played, it has been ridiculous. Normally play at The Dunes on the Mornington Peninsula so I’m used to the wind.

Played Feb 08 and again this week. Due to work commitments have teed off in the afternoon, so I assume you probably have a better chance of less wind teeing off in the morning.

Got the 18 in the first time but this week we walked off after 9 as we couldn’t even put our ball on the green and our buggy’s kept getting blown over when trying to play a shot. Didn’t go in a bunker but still got sand in my eyes as walking to the par 3 7th was like walking into a sandstorm ! I hit it as good as I can (off 9) didn’t lose a ball and had 9 pts for the 9 holes !!

The first 4 holes are incredibly harsh when the wind is so strong. Then on the downwind holes the greens are more exposed so putting was almost impossible

I will probably give it one more chance, go over for a weekend and play early morning. My advice is to do the same or you risk having your experience destroyed by the elements.

Yep I agree the course is spectacular but you cannot enjoy it or rate it fairly in the conditions I have endured on my two visits.

20. Irishb | Rated | 26 Oct 2009 | Add A Review

Just got back to Melbourne from a 15-man golf weekend at Barnbougle. We had hyped up the course in the build up to the trip, but nothing could prepare us for quite how amazing this place truly is.

Day 1 – beautiful sunshine, blowing an absolute gale (had to play the front tees on the pro’s advice it was that bad).

Day 2 – bass strait as flat as a millpond, played the terracotta tees and it felt like a completely different course

The handicap range of our group was 9-36 and it turned out the 36 handicappers coped admirably. This is the beauty of courses as good as Barnbougle, they challenge the low handicappers to go for shots average players wouldnt think twice about. The short length of some of the par 4’s teases a drive, when the extremely wide fairways quietly whisper for irons/hybrids off the tee. When that drive falls a yard short of its intended destination into a bunker, then it is one of the most punishing courses I have ever played.

I grew up in Ireland and have played mainly of the ’original links’ and IMHO Barnbougle is right up there with Portrush, County Down etc… I had always considered myself a good enough bunker player to make a decent number of greenside sand saves, at Barnbougle the sand is as fine as flour and swallows balls in one bite!

Every golfer in Australia needs to play this course once in their lifetime. We are planning a return visit over the next few months.

PROS

  • The staff are amazing
  • the non flashy clubhouse
  • the challenge of holding the 7th green!
  • Great nearby Bridport resort to stay at if the on course accomodation is full
  • A fair challenge for all levels
  • Extremely punishing if you are greedy
  • amazing scenery, wildlife, views
  • holes 3-16 are the best stretch of holes I have ever seen

Cons

  • starting with stroke index 1 hole? a bit of a non event hole too
  • Difficult to getting a booking for on course accommodation

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21. caddy_shack | Rated | 07 Oct 2009 | Add A Review

arrived at launceston, collected car & drove straight to BB. the closer we got the heavier the rain. by the time we arrived it was about 10C & raining sheets, i was copping a decent spray from the missus, too! but i’d arrived at golf’s mecca & was beyond the point of return. the pro was kind enough to check BOM website & assured me the weather would pass shortly, so we did lunch. got out there when the rain eased, but the wind was howling – would blow a dog off its chain.

BB is a true test of your game. its much like NSWGC, but on steroids. there are 4 different tees, depending on your ability. you will need to be creative with your approaches & manufacture some shots. definitely practice some punch shots in windy conditions before your play. take plenty of balls and use irish rules if you stray – line of entry + 1-shot penalty. any club golfer who manages to play to their handicap has had a great day. regardless, it will be a round to remember.

in summary, definitely worth the trip. a fantastic layout, true challenge, friendly staff & decent food. enjoy!

PROS

  • Layout
  • Challenge

Cons

  • Conditions
  • Remoteness
22. aussiedave | Rated | 25 Sep 2009 | Add A Review

Played Barnbougle for the first time in September – weather was awful, gale force winds & driving rain, BUT that didnt stop my enjoyment of a wonderful course.

I am a high handicapper & was initially worried about losing too many balls, but the fairways are much wider than I anticipated & I managed to find most of them!

The biggest challenge at Barnbougle on a day like today is the wind – I have never seen good shots simply stop dead in their tracks. The first hole (par 5) which is only 435m from the blue tees, plays at least 100m longer into the fierce wind – I hit a decent drive & a couple of 5 woods & I was still 20m short of the green. I bet they dont get many birdies here & have probably never seen an eagle on a windy day!

The short par 3 (or should that be 5) must be THE HARDEST PAR 3 IN AUSTRALIA when into the wind – I tried to hit the green 3 times with much longer irons than a 120m hole should demand, but 5 & 6 irons shots slammed into the wind & were just pushed hard left into the impossible bunker, no matter how far right I aimed.

The back 9 played a little easier for me (especially the wind assisted holes) & I even managed a few pars despite the conditions. Such is the challenge of this course, I was tempted to play another 9 when I had finished, but it was getting late & our short stop in the part of the world was nearing an end, so I will have to save it for another day.

I should also add that the staff at the pro-shop were excellent & offered good advice on how to play the course.

I will certainly be back again next year to play Barnbougle & hopefully I can time my trip from WA to coincide with the opening of thier new course ’Lost Farm’ which I understand is scheduled to open late next year.

With 2 championship links courses, this small part of Tasmania will really be a MUST VISIT place for any golfer.

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23. Crippsy | Rated | 29 Jun 2009 | Add A Review

Played here on Friday 26th June 09 with a great mate. During our trip to Tassie we had experienced some terrible weather and were full of trepidation when diving from Launceston to the course at 6am. We arrived just before 7 am and what followed was a day of not only the most amazing golf experiences of my life but just one of the best days ever!

Pro shop staff were all excellent, giving us tips and a free course guide each! We played a round starting at 7.20 am, nervous as to what the weather would be like. After teeing off, we were met with WOW factor on every hole from 3 through 18. We walked off after our first round, grabbed a sandwich and were back on the first tee ten minutes later to play another round!

There was hardly anyone else on the course, it was just unbelievable. After our second round we walked straight back on again with the intention of squeezing in another 9!

After 9, in semi darkness we just couldn’t stop and managed to play 10 and then back down 18 in near darkness before enjoying a beer in the clubhouse, exhausted!I am an eight handicapper and scored two 86’s from the black tees courtesy of a seven and an eight on the shortest hole on the course.

On both back nines I scored relatively well, with 40 then 39. On my third visit to the first tee I was determined to’beat’ the front nine. I stood on the tee on seven at 2 over par determined to par or at least bogey. Pulled a wedge into the deep bunker, plugged and made 11!! But it was the best I have ever made!

Loads and loads of fun, a course and experience I will never forget. Advice to anyone is just go and see for yourself. I am from Scotland and have played many of the great links course but this course tops them all!!!!

24. caddyshack09 | Rated | 07 Jun 2009 | Add A Review

A real credit to all those involved in the construction & maintenance of the course. There is a hard-cover book available that describes how this course came about and the full construction process, it’s well worth the purchase for anyone who enjoyed the course (available through their website).

PROS

  • Very challenging! (bring plenty of golf balls)
  • Frightening rough
  • Excellent facilities
  • Spectacular views

Cons

  • Golf ball manufacturers could make a lot of money out of you after a round here..
25. Shreksm | Rated | 10 Mar 2009 | Add A Review

My first trip to Tasmania and we played Barnbougle on 28/2/2009. Conditions were perfect – 22 degrees and hardly a breath of wind! The course is designed and positioned perfectly amongst the dunes, next to Bass Straight. The views from the high points of the course are amazing, make sure you take your camera! After reading all of the hype before I played it, I expected great things and generally, I would have to agree that this is a great ’public access’ course. We played off the ’terracotta’ tees as our handicaps were 4, 11, 11 and 15. (5 to 17) The standout holes for me were 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, 15. The price ($98) is a little steep and there is a lack of sand buckets and large wheeled buggies available. The older guy in the pro-shop was as rude as they come and didn’t make us feel welcome at all – strange, considering that this place would rely upon tourists to keep them afloat! This guy spoiled the day for us and due to his attitude towards us we didn’t hang around for drinks afterwards and we will never go back whilst he is there.

26. Muppet1 | Rated | 30 Jan 2009 | Add A Review

Played Barnbougle in October 2008 and I must say this is the finest golf course I’ve either played or walked. The design is simply stunning and the vistas are spectacular. The fairways are generous but miss them and lose your ball (I had a wicked block happening and after 5 rounds was around 30 balls down in the tussocks), the Irish drop rule means that the rounds are still played in reasonable time even with the pausing to take in the view. We stayed on course and played it over four days and each day was different due to the wind strength and direction from not being able to reach the Par 5s in 3 to hitting 7 iron in for 2. One of the 7th which is a short par 3 I used everything from a half SW to a full 6 iron.

The highlight for me was the par 4 designs, with the exception of the much maligned 2nd (read the threads) the par 4s were exceptional. The course itself is not overly long and there is always an agressive line for big reward and harsh penalty if you miss it and a conservative line which while safe often resulted in blind shots into greens. When we finished our mini holiday there we booked in for the same time next year and I’m already counting down the days.

27. luhililicr | Rated | 03 Dec 2008 | Add A Review

I have played a number of the top 100 courses in the world, including Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill and Kingston Heath, but in my opinion Barnie tops them all. The variety of challenges at BD is supreme, the serenity unmatched. Certainly this is in the top 3 golf courses in Australia already, and I would say it’s the best course I’ve ever played

28. HOLMINATION | Rated | 17 Nov 2008 | Add A Review

I have played some pretty good courses in my time as a golfer. This golf course is the best I have ever played.

When you arrive here it’s like a dream come true. You stand on the tee boxes in awe of what lies in front of you. The par 3s will leave you scratching your head on why you justtook a 7 or 8. The par fours will demolish you and the par 5s will destroy you.

The condition of the course is second to none. Fairways are supreme and the best I have ever seen. The greens uttilize the same grass as the fairways which gives a beutiful flow on effect.

The 8th hole which is No 1. in Australia for difficulty is something I will never forget. There are two roads to the green (the high and the low)from the black markers there was no way I was reaching this 430m par 4. Why you ask. Because half the time you play into a 8kmh wind. I also should mention that the hole plays uphill. after a 7 & an 8 I conceeded defeat.

Plan your trip out, take your time and enjoy this gem of a course.

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29. Sandplay | Rated | 18 Mar 2008 | Add A Review

Played here again 3 weeks ago. Man I am lucky to have discovered golf and taken my average game here!

Read the reviews. Keep an open mind. Then make the trip, give yourself time (I tried to play as a day-trip.. why rush?!) and form your own opinion.

My general comments are these –

The opening hole is like a dream. Reminds me of that scene in Gladiator where Maximus is walking through the fields to get home. You stand on that tee and there’s just no place in the world you’d rather be.

The 2nd hole is a dud. On most other courses it would probably only rate as an average hole but this place sets an amazingly high watermark and 2 is the only vanilla hole in the entire layout.

From that hole on you will learn things about your game and THE game that you just won’t learn anywhere else. Can you trust your own instincts?

I’ve played 5-iron into the wind on 7 and my 56* with it. How will you judge the wind when you’re standing on that tee? Probably more improtant is the other question – does it matter?!

Have a cracking time when you finally make the trip and think of all the people who’d swap places with you in a heartbeat.

Play brave and happy golfing

30. dplegend | Rated | 03 Mar 2008 | Add A Review

Played 2 rounds in the most ideal weather conditions imaginable. The course is without doubt the best I have ever seen or played. The course is designed with all standards of golfer in mind with the varied tee boxes. The staff are the friendliest and most helpful people I have come across at a golf course. Nothing was too much trouble!!! Simply amazing course, which is a must to play.

31. weber | Rated | 21 Jan 2008 | Add A Review

this course is amazing! Played 2 rounds of 18 holes (well tried to, was caught up in the breathtaking scenery) No wonder it is ranked in the top 35 in the world. It’s Australia’s hidden golfing paradise.

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32. kingwaz | Rated | 14 Jan 2008 | Add A Review

Barnbougle dunes is golf it’s rawest form, no carts, no markers, understated tee boxes. When Huey first came up with the concept of golf on his rested 7th day, this was what he had in mind. All that missing compulsory plus four’s and a hip flask of single malt scotch.

33. clubselectionisessential | Rated | 13 Dec 2007 | Add A Review

We played four rounds in under 48 hours and enjoyed every minute of it despite the various aches and pains from so much golf. This really is a great golf course with some really testing holes – the 8th is particularly hard – but all good fun.

We managed to get 15 holes in on arrival on the Friday night starting at 5.15pm and finishing in the dark but did not see another person on the course – magic!

Great set-up, well looked after and some of the best greens to putt on I’ve played. Watch out for the tiger snakes on the 18th green though!

Don’t feel you have to stay on course. Plenty of good and cheap accommodation in Bridport and you get the benefit of the local hostelries. Well worth a weekend away.

34. pauldavies | Rated | 02 Sep 2007 | Add A Review

In a word AWESOME! A magnificent golfing experience. Played there in May and stayed on course for 3 nights, so was really immersed in the totality of Barnbougle. A stunning golf course by day, great cuisine, understated accommodation which blends in well, star lit nights!! Boy it is so good and worth the effort. It’s not a day trip. You need 3 or 4 days to soak up the unique experience that is Barnbougle. It ain’t cheap by the time you throw in airfares, car hire/bus, golf, food and wine but, hey, you only get one go at life. Go there!

35. friendofan | Rated | 11 May 2007 | Add A Review

I wanna say something. I’m gonna put it out there; if you like it, you can take it, if you don’t, send it right back: Barnbougle Dunes is the best course ever! Ok, that might be taking it a bit too far, but it’s definitely by far the best course I’ve played at. Now I’m not sure what the word ‘Barnbougle’ means (I could be wrong, but I believe it may have been an old, old wooden ship), but whatever it is, it must be something good. The course provides an enjoyable and testing round of golf for all players, with various teeing options to make the course as easy or hard as you like. Being a mid to low handicapper, I decided to take on the course from the back markers, and while being very challenging, didn’t find it to be impossible. While my scorecard at the end of the round was nothing to proud of, I still walked away thinking, I’m not even mad, that’s amazing. If you can walk away from a course with a terrible score and still enjoy yourself, then you know it’s good. I found the whole course to be in immaculate condition, it looked good, and I mean real good. As other people have mentioned though, the weather is a big factor out there. We were greeted with sunshine and no wind when we got to the practice green; by the time we got to the first tee (15mins later), the clouds had rolled in and it was blowing a gale… If I had to say one bad thing about the course, it would be that I was constantly reminded of the fact that the course was ranked 49th in the world. The staff must have reminded me on at least 5 separate occasions that the course was kind of a big deal. This is only a small complaint though, and I suppose their comments may be necessary to keep a course, that no doubt welcomes many hackers, in such good condition. If you ever find yourself down in that part of the world, I can highly recommend a game at this course, u won’t regret it. You stay classy BD.

36. | Rated | 04 Apr 2007 | Add A Review

Not top 5 in Oz??? Some people just don’t know a world class course when they play it. Barnbougle is just brilliant, 2 average holes and 16 of the best golf holes you could wish to see. Golf World in the March 2007 edition claims Barnbougle a "course in a million" and comments that the 49 ranking in the world does the course no justice, and that it is absolutely inevitable that Barnbougle will rise to be ranked with the very best in the world. Yes it’s not the hardest test of golf, but the designer knows how to build fun playable courses and not many modern courses fall into that category.

37. thechopper | Rated | 03 Apr 2007 | Add A Review

Played there in no wind and found it to be a very nice links styled course.

The rating of top 5 in Australia perplexes me. Sure its on the beach, sure it build in the old style with no signage etc but it take more than mystic and spectacular views to be a great course.

Courses like Brookwater, Kennedy Bay, Joondulup, Vines, NSW etc etc are better test of golf than Barnbougle.

Im sure that if officials from St Andrews came over to see what all the fuss was about would leave laughing at the way they have constructed some of the greens. You dont have to bury elephants in greens to make them difficult, just chage the grass to bent, put subtle breaks in them and make them fast.

The Par 3 16th is a classic example of course designers kidding themselves, you dont need to make a green into a shape of a skating ramp to provide a challenge…

Well worth the game, but top 50 in the world….....not a chance

38. rodney21 | Rated | 05 Dec 2006 | Add A Review

I have played Barnbougle Dunes about fives times over the last two years. Words cannot describe the lay out, you simple have to see it to believe it. The first two rounds I played were on a relatively calm day, the first round was basically to get my eye in. You can stand on some of the tees and not really know where to hit it, I loved this feeling, because you only get this the first time you play the course. I was constantly asking myself, can I drive the bunker? What is the best angle to approach the pin from on this hole? This turned out to quite important because on many holes the fairways are so wide you get plenty of choices, but hitting the fairway didn't guarantee the opportunity to hit the green.

The second time round was great I managed to hit every fairway and my scored improved by seven shots, it helps when you birdie three of the par 3's. Both rounds I played from the black markers and felt the golf course played fairly.

The next time i visited we struck a day of squawls, the wind was reaching 35 knots and at one stage we had hail. But such is the addictive nature of this course it never entered my mind to head back to the clubhouse. The par 3 seventh which is 112 metres long, I had previously hit a 9 iron and a pitching wedge this time required five iron. Mother nature can turn this course into a monster, but I still loved it.

39. snapchat | Rated | 21 Nov 2006 | Add A Review

I have just come back from playing 5 consequtive rounds over 4 days in a variety of weather. Yes the layout is unlike anything else in Australia and very challenging, the staff are very friendly and the clubhouse food is excellent. However... the policy at the course is to change the pin positions only every 3 days!. The greens had not been cut for some time and were not while we were there. The tee positions also stayed the same the entire visit. The bunkers are very ill defined and many have no rakes but that doesn't matter since no one rakes them anyway and there is a local rule allowing you to place your ball in a bunker clear of footprints!! The other local rule allows a drop out of the rough if your ball goes into the very thick marram grass which constitutes most of the rough. Without this rule scores would be very high as it is a very tough course because of the rough and due to very large greens with huge swales. Had this been a lower rated course these elements would not be so bad but I did expect better attention to detail. None of my group will bother to go back. It is quite an experience but don't expect a well maintained course.

40. q-tip | Rated | 22 Jul 2006 | Add A Review

Measures 6148m Par 71 from the back Forrester tees which is where I played it from. There are 4 tees to play from according to players' handicaps or egos! With 4 Par 3s ranging from 110-200m, 11 Par 4s ranging 270-445m and three Par 5s ranging from 475-510m, it is a traditional links style course with immaculate greens, fairways and teebeds. Simply stunning course with views of the town Bridport and the Bass Strait from Reg's Hut, which is a shelter hut between the 4th green and 5th tee. A little history of the course can be read to break up the walk.

This course is simply classical, and is above all courses even NSWGC, I feel, which seems 2nd best to Barnbougle. The closing 2 holes on EACH outward and inward nines are the toughest on the course. All are par 4s over 400m with blind tees, sloping fairways, heavily bunkered quick tiered greens. Every hole here deserves respect, so I wont waste your time and give you the usual best holes tour, as they all are unique and challenging.

Played here 18/7/06 and paid $80 green fees plus $10 for the course guide. Highly recommended course accessible from Launceston in 1 day. The best I've played in Tassie (and possibly top 3 in country) and will be back here for sure. Bring plenty of balls!

41. mrsafe | Rated | 06 Jan 2006 | Add A Review

Friday 30th December will stay with me a long time. Barnbougle is a stunning golf course. I was not always so complimentary on the day of playing due to my consistent hooking and the physical challenge it posed. An undulating course it is. Many holes find you dragging your buggy up to an elevated tee before playing down into a valley, and then climbing to an elevated green. Despite all that I marvelled at its natural beauty and its coast hugging splendour. There are some truly amazing views to be had. The greens are quite the challenge and many of the pin placements we encountered were way less than friendly. My worse score for many years was the result, however I will definately look for an opportunity to return. On the subject of its location: It is more than 2 hours from Devonport and more than an hour from Launceston. The drive from D'port was quite tiring and was probably not the best preparation for the challenge that lay ahead. Staying on the course or being collected by their bus would be worth considering.

42. | Rated | 30 Sep 2005 | Add A Review

Played Barnbougle in April, loved every minute of it. Every hole is of unique quality and of excellent standard. Terrific conditions, the fescue fairways actually make a nice change from the ubiquitous couch.

Bring your brain as well as your length!

43. Uncle_Leo | Rated | 10 Jul 2005 | Add A Review

Stick to the topic sport - Barny Dunes is in the Top 3 tracks in this country and Kennedy Bay isn't. If you want to tug yourself silly over KB do it in the KB review section (bring your own tissues). Or even better, get on a plane and head to BD to see what all the fuss is about - you wont be disappointed.

44. andrew65 | Rated | 07 Jul 2005 | Add A Review

Kennedy Bay a goat track??? You must have lost too many balls by straying off the wonderful fariways or were unable to handle the terrific pot bunkers by the sound of it. You should write to Aust Golf Digest and tell the people that rated KBGC as the #1 Public Course in the country and #1 Course in WA that they don't know what they are talking about. Poor, dillusional individuals like myself actually feel privileged to be an APP Member at Kennedy Bay (the best golf deal in Aust by a long chalk) and enjoy my "goat track" anytime I like. Wonderful course, great staff, great price and anytime you want to come back and possible re-assess your opinion, you should do yourself a HUGE favour and do so.

45. kjgreen | Rated | 19 Apr 2005 | Add A Review

when i told a golf pro friend of mine i was going to tassie for my honeymoon he said i had to beg borrow or steal to convince my wife to let me play here and man was it worth it ,there is not much more i can say on top of what the other reviewers have said ,they were all spot on ,even my wife who is not into golf at all walked the course with me and was blown away by how great it is ,if you have to give up 5 games of golf in tassie to play this one course ,do it , you will not be disappointed

46. frogga | Rated | 08 Mar 2005 | Add A Review

On a recent golfing tour of Tasmania my partner and I finished the trip with a round at Barnbougle, a course that was mentioned by everyone we spoke to about Tasmanian golf before we left home.

With both of us being average players at best, there were some concerns as to whether we would be able to enjoy the task ahead of us as much as we hoped.

In actual fact we both have now played the most exciting and original golf course we have played.

All of the holes are fantastic and each presents their own challenges. The four tee locations ensure that all players, regardless of handicap, can get around the course without having their game ruined forever (just take a few extra balls for when you leave the fairways).

Brett in the pro-shop is a font of knowledge, great help, fantastic ambassador for the course and an genuinely friendly guy.

Do yourself a favour and make the time to get down to Barnbougle for a unique golfing experience.

47. ozero | Rated | 23 Feb 2005 | Add A Review

Having read all the hype about Barnbougle Dunes, I and the missus decided to travel to Tasmania and experience the course first hand.

It is without doubt the best golf course I have ever seen and played.

The views from various points of the course are glorious. Being situated on the Northern Coast of Tasmania really does make for a visual feast.

The walk from the 4th green to 5th tee is along the top of a sand dune which overlooks the beach. You will not be in any hurry to get to the 5th tee !!

Features of the course include huge sand dunes, great bunkering, excellent greens with undulations and tiers, excellent fairways and without doubt one feature to avoid is the marram grass which exists in the rough.

It is a course that requires skill and good course management to master.

Without doubt the biggest factor when playing Barnbougle Dunes is the prevailing north westerly wind. When the breeze is up, the course grows teeth. Keeping the ball low is imperative in these circumstances.

Four different sets of tees exist on the course and it is best to play from a set which best suits your ability. Best to be guided by the Golf Professional in the pro shop.

There are many great holes on the course but the ones that stand out in my mind are Holes 4,5,6,7,8,11,13,14 and 16.

The best advice I can give is do yourself a favour and experience the great Barnbougle Dunes Golf Course. You will enjoy the experience of the golf and the enviroment that exists.

48. brummer | Rated | 26 Oct 2004 | Add A Review

Briliant new Tom Doak / Mike clayton course at Bridport. Official opening is not for another 5 weeks (but previews are availiable).

Wow, what a golf course. A brilliant dune setting on Bass Strait, the course is moderate in length by modern standards (6150m) but the wind factor needs to be accounted for. 17 and 18 (both 400m) play straight into the prevailing NW and just reaching the fairway can be tough from the back when it's blowing hard.

Only 1 hole struck me as ordinary (no 2) but from 3 onwards it's a non stop visual delight and golfing challnge. Our group was a single figure player and a 34 marker but both found it highly playable.

Front nine plays largely through valleys between the towering 20m high dunes whilst the back is more exposed to the wind.

I played Joondalup and Kennedy Bay in WA 2 weeks ago and this course is more viaually stunning than Joondalup and makes Kennedy look like a goat track.

In the last couple of years I've played a few of the new "greats" that promised so much but unltimately left me feeling a little diasappointed (e.g. The Vintage). Not here though.

Do yourself a favour, grab an internet airfare and get to Tassie for a game on what will soon be rated in Australia's top 10 golf courses ! At last a new golf course that lives up to all the hype and more.

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