Originally Posted by Rutuu
Played Barnbougle - Dunes and Lost Farm two weeks ago. Despite it being the start of fall down here in the Southern Hemisphere, we had perfect (non-links) type weather, 17C highs with lots of sun.
The courses are $165 AUD to play each, with all day options at $210, which is pretty reasonable given their ranks. Like Bandon Dunes, you have to walk, unless you have a medical certificate, then you can get a golf cart / caddy combo to take you out.
Restaurant's are pretty good, as are the accommodation at the course. To get there you fly into Launceston and drive to New Brighton. We rented an Airbnb in New Brighton that covered the 8 in our group comfortably.
Courses themselves: Dunes - this is the original course and a Tom Doak design, so there are a few blind shots. The first run at the course I struggled and was 20 over my handicap. On the second go, you know where to miss and I was able to shoot 2 over my handicap. It was a fun day, but you have to manage your misses constantly, and the wind wasn't blowing. Greens are a fescue and beautiful / true. Fairways are the same, and peel away nicely with your shot. You can putt from a mile off the green and play the rolls, which is a lot of fun. The walk between hole 4 and 5 is spectacular, as is the par 3 hole 7.
Lost Farm: The slightly less visually stunning of the two, the course itself is amazing. A Ben Crenshaw design, and you will notice he edges out Tom Doak numerous times in rankings lists for good reason. The "surprise" of a hazard out of no where doesn't happen at this course, and you can plan your shots from the tee box. The fairways are generous where they need to be, but you have to be in the right place to score well. It was an absolute pleasure to play this course, the kind of feeling that you only get playing the great designs. Fairways are tight, just as at the Dunes, and the greens are fantastic the same as the Dunes. The difference at Lost Farm as they are more sweeping features than rolling, so more playable, while still being challenging.
Hit me with any questions if folks are ever thinking of doing a sandbelt, pennisula, tasmania golf trip as there are so many great courses.
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