“Absolutely stunning. I think that this is not only one of Australia’s best, it is one of the best courses in the world, old or new.” Geoff Ogilvy
The Dunes course at Barnbougle on the Northeast coast of Tasmania is a pure links golf test of the highest order. Thrilling, exacting, memorable, fun – it is all these things, but in the best traditions of classic links golf it is also surprising, often magical and always good for the golfing soul. If that sounds a bit poetic, once you have walked from the 4th green to the 5th tee or taken a moment to sit on the bench at the back of the 15th tee – you’ll understand what was meant and you will forever love links golf.
The course, designed by Tom Doak and Mike Clayton, winds its way between coastal sand dunes reminiscent of the great Scottish and Irish links courses. The dunes shape the holes, shelter you from the elements and provide many of the elevation changes that make the course so visually spectacular.
Strategy and creativity are the currencies of this type of golf. Options abound on almost every shot, and the choice you make between bravery and safety will often determine your score, but never your enjoyment.
The beauty of the game of golf lies in its endless variety of challenges. Never is this statement truer than on a good links course where one day’s straightforward shot is the next day’s card-wrecker. And on a great links golf course such as Barnbougle Dunes that means you’ll be planning your return trip before putting out on the 18th.