Trailblazing Tasmanian links course Barnbougle Dunes notches up 20 years of pure golfing joy

It’s the old potato farm that sprouted a coastal golfing mecca, and triggered a Tasmanian tourism boom that just keeps on rolling. And it isn’t the only exciting golfing development.

Barnbougle Dunes, at Bridport, was opened in December 2004.

It’s the old potato farm that sprouted a coastal golfing mecca, and triggered a Tasmanian tourism boom that just keeps on rolling.

Barnbougle Dunes, the spectacular links course carved into Bridport’s wild Bass Strait coastline by renowned architects Mike Clayton and Tom Doak, this month marked 20 years since it first rocked the world golf scene back in 2004.

After quickly entering the ranks of the best 100 courses on the planet, Barnbougle Dunes was joined by the equally impressive Lost Farm layout in 2011, and by the 14-hole Bougle Run a decade later.

Barnbougle Dunes, at Bridport. Picture: Supplied

Now a multi-faceted hospitality business that employs up to 120 staff during peak periods, the Sattler family’s Barnbougle operation has responded to growing interest from the lucrative international golf travel market with plans for a new premium accommodation offering.

But Northern Tasmania is not the only region riding high on the Barnbougle wave, with the world-class Cape Wickham and Ocean Dunes courses opening on King Island in 2015 and 2016, the much-anticipated Seven Mile Beach venture to be unveiled early next year, and exciting new golfing developments afoot at Five Mile Beach, Arm End, and Launceston.

‘Proud’ to reach milestone

Barnbougle marketing manager, Biz Sattler, said although the Dunes’ 20th anniversary had been celebrated with nothing fancier than a family dinner, they were nonetheless proud of what had been achieved at the coastal property over the past two decades.

“The operation has obviously grown substantially, and probably more than we could have imagined when we originally opened the Dunes,” Ms Sattler told the Mercury.

Bougle Run, part of the Barnbougle golf resort in Bridport, Tasmania. Picture: Will Watt

“And I think that’s a testament to the incredible landscapes that we have here in Tasmania, and we are so lucky to be located in one of the most amazing places in the world.

“Over the last 20 years, we have gone from one full-length course to two, plus the 14-hole short course.

“But there’s also been substantial development on the accommodation side, as well as the restaurant, spa facility, and sports bar.”

Ms Sattler said ensuring Barnbougle’s off-course facilities matched the quality of its world-class playing experience was essential in maintaining its reputation as a top-shelf golfing destination.

Demand for quality courses

Bougle Run, part of the Barnbougle golf resort in Bridport, Tasmania. Picture: Will Watt

And with an increasing number of enquiries coming from potential patrons based in the USA, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea, the business is determined to stay one step ahead of the game in meeting the needs of the contemporary golf traveller.

“Barnbougle is a tourism experience, and that offering of food, beverage, accommodation, and Tasmanian hospitality is really what makes us unique and sets us apart,” Ms Sattler said.

PGA Tour Professional Mathew Goggin. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“We are seeing demand out of the international markets for accommodation that is a little bit more high-end, and better suited to groups of couples travelling together.

“So we are currently developing some beautiful, four-bedroom beach houses located on the Dunes site, overlooking the beach, which will be a more private and luxurious offering.”

As Tasmanian golfing royalty, Mat Goggin, prepares to launch the first of two new 18-hole layouts at Seven Mile Beach near Hobart Airport in coming months, Launceston’s Country Club Casino is busy conducting the most significant golf course overhaul in the resort’s 40-year history.

Grand plans at Launceston’s Country Club

Head of golf operations, Bryce Gorham, said the Federal Group’s decision to invest in a new tourist-drawing layout at the Prospect Vale site - plus a two-tier driving range - could be directly attributed to Barnbougle’s ongoing success in attracting international golf visitors to Tasmania.

Country Club Tasmania golf course in progress. Picture: Facebook

While a small section of the old Country Club course has been subdivided for a residential development, the new 18-hole configuration promises to be unrecognisable from its predecessor when it opens for play in 2026.

“The course genre will remain parkland because of the trees, but it will definitely have connotations of a links-style course, with the moguls in the fairways and the Barnbougle-type grasses we are using,” Mr Gorham said of the Robin Gibson-designed revamp.

“Golf tourism in Tasmania is hitting a new level, and we had a great base here to create something special.

“I think Tasmania could eventually become a two-week golf destination, such are the quality of golf courses that Barnbougle has paved the way for.”

Hobart’s Arm End Golf Course on track

With a spokesperson for Hobart’s Arm End Golf Course confirming the multi-million dollar development was expected to be completed by October 2026, project founder and Ratho Farm Highlands Resort principal, Greg Ramsay, described golf’s ongoing transformation of Tasmanian tourism over the past 20 years as nothing short of breathtaking.

Greg Ramsay (R) and Craig Ferguson at Arm End Golf Course. File picture.

“From having no public golf courses of national regard, to now having four of the best in the world is incredible - and with Seven Mile Beach, Arm End, and Five Mile Beach soon to join them,” Mr Ramsay said.

Back at Barnbougle, Biz Sattler said customer satisfaction remained the driving force for an attraction that has helped change the DNA of Tasmanian tourism.

“There’s nothing more fulfilling seeing the happiness and joy that it brings people when they come to visit, or having someone come up and say ‘we just love coming here’,” she said.

“But we are also very grateful for the local golfers who have supported us, especially in the early days, and we are thankful Barnbougle continues to be embraced by Tasmanians.”

Originally published as Trailblazing Tasmanian links course Barnbougle Dunes notches up 20 years of pure golfing joy