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Barnbougle Dunes is a must-play
on an Australia golf vacation.
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If you watched the telecast of the PGA Tour's Memorial Tournament this past weekend, you probably heard the announcers say that Matt Goggin, who ultimately finished tied for second place, hails from Tasmania.
Like any reasonable person, you were probably wondering: 1) Where the heck is Tasmania? And, 2) Do they even have golf courses there?
Normally, I'd be wondering right along with you. Heck, until last year, my knowledge of Tasmania began and ended with that ravenous, whirling dervish from Bugs Bunny cartoons.
Tasmania, it turns out, is an island state off of Australia, which I learned from the editors of Golf Odyssey, who didn't hesitate to visit this far flung corner of the world to conduct a comprehensive assessment of Barnbougle Dunes, the much-talked about Tom Doak golf course that recently opened there.
You know what? It's worth the trek to this top-100-in-the-world candidate, no matter how many hours of recycled air and overly salted peanuts you have to ingest.
The course is set on scenic Anderson Bay, and, aside from a modest clubhouse and a cluster of unpretentious golf cottages, there's nothing here but ceaseless winds, heaving dunes, and tall native grasses (most ominously, thick and exasperating marram grass).
The fairways and greens blend well with the vegetation covering the sand hills. In fact, Barnbougle Dunes looks likes it's been there forever. Abundant birdlife and perhaps a stray wallaby complete the picture.
The editors of Golf Odyssey said, "Seldom have we encountered a course where so many holes are instantly memorable and offer so many strategic options. From start to finish, the links' variety, vistas, and shot options thrill us. Barnbougle Dunes is a piece of golfing heaven."
Yes, it's remote, but Barbougle Dunes is an absolute must if your Australia golf vacation includes the great sandbelt courses around Melbourne. Royal Melbourne, the greatest course in the Southern Hemisphere, is just across the Bass Strait.
November through March (summertime Down Under) is the best time to visit, as temperatures hover around the 70's and 80's. Avoid June through September, however, when wind, rain, and cold present uncomfortable conditions.
Of course, Australia and Tasmania may not at the top of your golf vacation wish list, but Golf Odyssey scouts out popular golf vacation destinations closer to home with as much expertise and attention to detail. Click here to try Golf Odyssey for free, and I'll send you the next two issues.
Did you know?Golf Vacation Insider and Golf Odyssey are the world's only golf publications that travel anonymously and do not accept advertising, discounts, or "freebies" from golf courses, resorts or restaurants in order to provide you with expert, unbiased, and trusted advice.
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