Stuart Rennie represents the EIGCA at the Society of Australian Golf Course Architects (SAGCA) AGM in Tasmania.

Since completing our Masters with honors degree from Edinburgh College of Art back in 2006 my girlfriend and I have had the desire to do some travelling. Little did we know that I would be lucky enough to successfully gain a place on the EIGCA Post Graduate Diploma in Golf Course Architecture 2007-2009. Much of the past couple of years have been taken up studying whilst at the same time working full time in private practice as a Landscape Architect. The thought of travelling was always at the back of our minds and after completing my further studies and graduating at the ‘World Golf Forum’ in St Andrews in March 2010 the prospect of travelling was brought back to life.

Being very fortunate to pass the course with not only distinction but also winning the Toro Student Golf Course Architect prize helped a few doors open within the industry, and an offer of some work experience in Australia arose. Ross Perrett of Thomson Perrett Golf Course Architects provided me with a fantastic opportunity which would allow me to travel to Australia and take up a position in his busy office.

After some weeks travelling from the UK, via Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore we landed in Adelaide prior to embarking on a road trip along the coast to Melbourne. This later part of our journey saw us taking in the Great Ocean Road before we ascended into Melbourne across the West Gate Bridge, in colder weather than we left back in Scotland. Fortunately for me, we arrived in Melbourne with perfect timing to allow my attendance at the SAGCA AGM in Tasmania where I travelled with my colleagues from Thomson Perrett on a 3 day excursion to, taking in some local courses and cuisine along the way.

On day 1, the flight left early from Melbourne with Launceston in sight where we picked up a hire car to embark on an hours drive to Lost Farm at Barnboogle, the venue for the SAGCA 2010 AGM and a spectacular location fit for this purpose. The Lost Farm at Barnboogle designed by Coore & Crenshaw was barely open before we teed the wee white ball up for a hit in Tasmania’s afternoon sun and easterly breeze.

On the following day an early rise was required to allow time for a game before the AGM. We skipped across to Barnboogle Dunes on the adjacent stretch of duneland co-designed by M.Clayton and T.Doak where a stiff westerly wind made it tough for any caliber of golfer but a very enjoyable experience for a Scottish lad who learnt to play the game on the links.

SAGCA AGM:

Graham Papworth, president of the SAGCA, welcomed me to the society meeting and noted in his opening speech his delight at being able to continue to build relationships between the Australian Society and the European Institute. The SAGCA reiterated their commitment to the Golf Environmental Organization’s environmental certification scheme and were fortunate to have a GEO representative present to explain the GEO Legacy. After the main content of the meeting four new members were initiated into the society before the meeting adjourned.

Early evening drinks were enjoyed before dinner where sponsors and partners were present as well as guests. Introductions were made and dinner commenced followed by a presentations by the Lost Farm owner and superintendant with regards to the Lost Farm project. The evening seemed to be successful and enjoyed by all in attendance.

On our final day, having dusted ourselves down we played Lost Farm again with the SAGCA members fighting for their society cup.

From my experience of playing Lost Farm it appears to complement the existing Barnboogle Dunes course and obviously adds an additional aspect to the golf tourism market in this area of Tasmania. Both facilities were extremely hospitable with fantastic accommodation, food, drink and the service was second to none. I had an extremely enjoyable couple of days on my first visit to Tasmania and appreciated the chance to meet new faces within the SAGCA, as well as re-engaging with those I have met on previous occasions. Long may the relationship between our societies grow and prosper.