Barnbougle Dunes vs Lost Farm: Which Should You Play?
Two of the finest modern links in the world sit a few hundred metres apart on the same stretch of Tasmanian coast near Bridport. Barnbougle Dunes, the 2004 original by Tom Doak and Mike Clayton, started Australia's golf renaissance. Lost Farm, Bill Coore's 20 hole answer from 2010, raised the stakes next door. Here is how they compare, and why the real answer is both.
Photograph: Barnbougle Dunes Golf Links, Laurence Lambrecht, via Google
The verdict
If a gun were held to our head, Barnbougle Dunes edges it. The original is the purer, more intimate links, a tight, firm, gloriously natural routing along the rivermouth and the dunes that feels like it was discovered rather than designed, and it usually sits a fraction higher in the world rankings. It is the more classical golfing experience of the two.
But Lost Farm is the bigger thrill for many players. Coore and Crenshaw spread it across higher, wilder dune ground, gave it more elevation and ocean views, and could not resist routing two extra short holes into the land, so you play 20. It is more varied, more dramatic and arguably more fun. The honest truth is that the gap is tiny and the trip is the same trip: stay on the property, play each at least once, and decide for yourself. Almost nobody who does picks just one.
Head to head
| Barnbougle Dunes | Lost Farm | |
|---|---|---|
| Architect | Tom Doak and Mike Clayton | Coore and Crenshaw (Bill Coore) |
| Opened | 2004 | December 2010 |
| Holes | 18 holes, par 71 | 20 holes, with two bonus short holes routed into the land |
| The land | Tighter, lower links along the rivermouth and inner dunes; intimate and firm | Higher, more expansive dune ground across the Forester River; bigger scale and more ocean views |
| Character | The purer, more classical links; quietly brilliant, naturalistic | More varied and dramatic; bold short holes and big visual moments |
| Green fee, indicative | Indicative 2026 broadly AU$150 to AU$300 per round; resort and multi round rates available | Indicative 2026 broadly AU$150 to AU$300 per round; resort and multi round rates available |
| Reputation | Usually rated a fraction ahead; the original that put Tasmania on the map | Right alongside it; many visitors prefer its variety and drama |
| Best for | Links purists chasing the most natural golf | Players who want scale, variety and the bonus holes |
Architects and opening years verified June 2026; indicative green fees move with season and rate type, so always confirm directly before booking. Both courses sit on the same Barnbougle property near Bridport. Check tee time availability.
Who should pick which
Play Dunes first if
You came for classic links golf and want to feel where the Barnbougle story began. The original is tighter, firmer and more natural, the kind of course that rewards a low running game and reveals more on every replay. Purists, students of design and anyone chasing the most authentic links experience should start here, ideally in an evening breeze.
Lead with Lost Farm if
You want scale, drama and a course that keeps surprising you, right down to the two bonus short holes. Coore's routing makes the most of the higher dunes and the river, with bigger views and bolder moments, and plenty of well travelled golfers leave rating it their favourite of the two. Choose this side first if variety and spectacle move you most.
Plan a Barnbougle golf trip
Both courses, the right number of nights on the property, and a wider Tasmania or Australia itinerary around them. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling, and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Barnbougle questions
Which is better, Barnbougle Dunes or Lost Farm?
It is one of the closest calls in modern golf. Barnbougle Dunes, the original from 2004 by Tom Doak and Mike Clayton, is the purer, more intimate links and usually rated a fraction ahead. Lost Farm, Bill Coore's 20 hole design from 2010, is bigger, more varied and more visually dramatic on its higher dune ground. Most visitors play both over two days and refuse to separate them, which is exactly the right answer.
How many holes does Lost Farm have?
Lost Farm has 20 holes. Coore and Crenshaw routed two extra short holes into the land rather than leave good golf on the table, so the round plays as a standard scorecard with two bonus holes. Barnbougle Dunes is a conventional 18 hole, par 71 links.
Can you play both Barnbougle courses on one trip?
Yes, and you should. Both sit on the same property near Bridport on Tasmania's north east coast, with on site lodging, so the natural visit is two or more nights playing each course at least once. We build Barnbougle into a wider Tasmania or Australia golf itinerary.
When is the best time to play Barnbougle?
October to April, the southern spring through autumn, gives the warmest, firmest links conditions, with the wind a near constant companion in any season. Tasmania can be cool and changeable, so pack layers and waterproofs whenever you go. Always confirm tee times and green fees directly before booking.
Related
The Tee Sheet
Course openings, ranking shake ups and the booking windows that matter. Every other week.
Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Architects and opening years verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.