Barnbougle Dunes

Architect: Mike Clayton (with Tom Doak / Renaissance Golf Design)


Opened in 2004, the course borders the sand dunes on the north coast of Tasmania.

Few thought that a venue so far from Melbourne and Sydney could successfully house a world class course. Fortunately, one of the few was Richard Sattler, the site’s owner.

Mike Clayton was commissioned as co-designer with Tom Doak of Renaissance Golf Design.

There were two main problems to contend with. Firstly, shaping and building on a windy, sandy site required great patience and a constant supply of water to ensure that the sand stayed wet. Secondly, determining how best to establish and grow grass on what was essentially the beach presented a great challenge.

Mike and his team members lived nearby in Bridport throughout the build phase. Such were the immense options which the site presented, it was critical that they be close at hand at all times in order to investigate all possible design variations before finalising matters.

In its most recent survey, GOLF Magazine rated the course #36 in the world.