To have one piece of land on your Northeastern Tasmania farming property so perfectly suited to the creation of a magnificent golf links is fortunate. To have a second parcel of land arguably more dramatic than the first is truly golfing heaven-sent. The vision to create a links golf sanctuary unlike anything in the country was one man’s, but it was the artists behind Barnbougle Lost Farm, Coore and Crenshaw, that pulled off something special – a course determinedly different to the Dunes, yet no less stunning. The two courses complement each other perfectly, and it was the addition of Lost Farm in 2010 that made Barnbougle the must-play destination it is to golfers the world over today.
Lost Farm winds through dunes significantly steeper than those found next door at The Dunes, and its wide fairways are complemented by strategic rugged bunkering and beautifully positioned undulating greens, making it an exciting, but fair test for golfers of all abilities.
Lost Farm also has 20 holes, such was the design potential of the land. Hole 13a was designed as an extra hole, but was too good not to allow everyone to play it every day and Hole 19 provides the wager-deciding short hole that every course (and clubhouse) wished it possessed.
Lost Farm is less in-your-face intimidating and exacting than the Dunes but is no weaker a test. It’s generosity and subtleties mean it will grow on you more than its older sister and it certainly provides a more consistently enjoyable golfing experience.
Play them both, play them often, play them in varying conditions and at various times of the day – then (and only then) pick your favourite…then play them again and change your mind. The Dunes and Lost Farm golf courses at Barnbougle are both that good.