Some golf tours are about the game. Others are about the finer things in life. Our Grapes & Greens Tasmania Golf Tour? It was about both—where the best courses in Tasmania met world-class food and wine, and every moment was shared with an incredible group of people.

We began our journey in Launceston, checking into the Verge Hotel, the city’s newest and finest stay. Spacious rooms, exceptional food, and a prime location set the stage for an unforgettable week.

A Taste of Royalty at Josef Chromy

Our first evening was one to remember as we dined at Josef Chromy Wines, a winery so good that even King Charles and Camilla had recently paid a visit. And while they may have had a royal experience, we took it a step further—pairing six different wines with each course, savoring each sip and bite like seasoned connoisseurs. Wine is like a great book; you don’t have to love every page, but the journey through flavors is what makes it special.

Instead of heading straight to Barnbougle, we took a scenic detour through Tamar Valley, soaking in premium wine, gin, cheese, and incredible food. First stop: Tamar Ridge, the region’s largest producer, where we indulged in expertly paired cheese and wine—because some things in life are just meant to go together.

Next door, the group made their way to Turner Stillhouse, home to Australia’s best gin for the past three years. Unsurprisingly, the ladies were first to the bar, taking front-row seats for a tasting session led by the owner himself. The atmosphere here was warm and inviting, the kind of place where you sit down as a customer and leave feeling like part of the family.

We then made our way to Velo Wines, where we met the legendary Rod, a former Barnbougle caddy turned winemaker. At nearly 80 years old, he still works seven days a week, battling against industry giants and winning national awards. The group loved his story, and safe to say, we did our part in supporting his cellar door.

Lunch was at Timbre Kitchen, where Chef Matt Adams built his restaurant on a wild idea—instead of sourcing from big distributors, he invited local farmers and fishermen to bring their best produce each week, bartering for what would be on the menu. The result? Hyper-local, seasonal dishes that tasted like Tasmania itself.

Golf Begins: Bougle Run & A Sunset BBQ

Arriving at Barnbougle, the bus erupted with excitement as the rolling dunes came into view. Few courses in the world have an entrance that sets the heart racing quite like this, for the next few days we would call Barnbougle home.

Our first round at Bougle Run was the perfect introduction to links golf—short but strategic, where high shots get punished and precision is key. Every missed approach was met with groans, every heroic recovery with cheers and high fives.

🏆 Bougle Run Winners:

• Ladies Division
  • Gross Winner: Julia Campbell (Everglades) – 57
  • Nett Winner: Ann Kolln (Everglades) – Nett 43
• Men’s Division 1
  • Gross Winner: Wayne Allen (Kiama) – 54
  • Nett Winner: Paul Kerins (GJH) – Nett 43
• Men’s Division 2
  • Gross Winner: Graham Kolln (Everglades) – 54
  • Nett Winner: Denis Simpson (Everglades) – Nett 43
• Mystery Pairs Winners: Julia Campbell & Jim Cooper – Nett 84

The evening was as relaxed as the golf was intense, with a classic BBQ feast featuring premium Tasmanian steaks, fresh local produce, and ice-cold drinks. After days of fine dining, this was the perfect change of pace—simple, delicious food, shared under a glorious sunset.

A Hole-in-One at Barnbougle Dunes!

The next day, we teed off at Barnbougle Dunes, a course that lures you in with gentle opening holes before delivering a brutal reality check. The undulating fairways demand precision, and the bunkers? Let’s just say a few players got very well acquainted with them.

And then—history was made.

🏌️‍♂️ Wayne Allen from Kiama stepped up on the 13th hole and delivered a HOLE-IN-ONE! As he walked into the clubhouse afterward, his grin said it all. Drinks were immediately poured, a certificate and prizes were arranged, and hugs and high-fives flew around the room. A moment he’ll never forget—and neither will we.

🏆 Barnbougle Dunes Winners:

• Men’s Division 1: Wayne Allen (Kiama) – 30 points
• Men’s Division 2: Stephen Brooks (Everglades) – 39 points
• Ladies Division: Julia Campbell (Everglades) – 35 points
• Mystery Pairs: Clayton Wilkie & Julia Campbell – 63 points

Rest, Relaxation & A Putting Competition Like No Other

After two gruelling rounds, it was time to rest—with more wine, of course. We spent the day indulging in Brookeden Wines and an exquisite meal at Pipers Brook, where Chef Nadine stole the show with dishes that were as artful as they were delicious.

That evening, we hosted our infamous putting competition—with a twist. Instead of playing for pride, players putted for bottles of wine, including a rare ZDAR vintage from Josef Chromy. The tension was high, the competition fierce, but in the end, Rodney Blake claimed the grand prize, sinking a perfect putt to take home the bottle everyone wanted.

Final Round: Lost Farm & A Farewell to Remember

On our last day, we played Lost Farm, a stunning test of true links golf. If you ever plan a trip, here’s a pro tip—book in February-March for glorious weather and calm conditions, but plan a year ahead, because the secret is out.

🏆 Barnbougle Lost Farm Winners:

• Men’s Division 1: Ian Jeffery (Everglades) - 27 points
• Men’s Division 2: Michael Nielsen (Mackay) - 39 points
• Ladies Division: Julia Campbell (Everglades) - 30 points
• Mystery Pairs: Michael Nielsen & Peter Eaton - 68 points

That evening, we gathered at Lost Farm Restaurant for a final meal, final drinks, and final stories. As the sun dipped below the dunes, we watched slideshow highlights of the tour, reminiscing about great shots, terrible putts, and everything in between.

A Tour for the Ages

Golf is about more than just the game—it’s about the people, the experiences, and the moments in between. This tour was special not just because of the golf and the wine, but because of everyone who made it an unforgettable journey.

As a final surprise, in addition to some great daily prizes, our tour winners walked away with an exclusive Links Whisky, crafted by  Heidi Weitjens, with support from John Ibrahim & Bill Lark—only 40 bottles exist, a perfect way to commemorate a truly special week - with a piece of Tasmanian History.

🏆 Overall Winners:

• Men’s Division 1: Nigel Tarr (Everglades) – 52 points
• Men’s Division 2: Michael Nielsen (Mackay) – 74 points
• Ladies Division: Julia Campbell (Everglades) – 65 points
• Mystery Pairs: Jim Cooper & Michael Nielsen – 120 points

Until next time, cheers to great golf, fine wine, and unforgettable memories! 🍷⛳✨