FEATURE
Barnbougle Polo
are separated by the Great Forester River. Between the courses there was a plot of farmland (which is part of Barnbougle Farm) that wasn’t utilised for the courses as it was too flat – terrible for golf, perfect for polo fields! The location was very close to infrastructure and the course maintenance sheds which meant that there was power access to the site. This was essential - being able to host a professional polo event is dependent on being able to provide an exceptional hospitality experience in addition to having a high-quality polo field.” We ask ourselves every day of the week leading up to the event why we do it but I guess it's because we love to throw a good party! Polo and golf are quite similar ¬– they are both ball sports and both very difficult to play! They are also both great spectacles that attract similar sponsors and target demographic and are played outdoors in a stunning setting. It was the perfect opportunity to show off our part of NE Tassie, of which we are so proud, in a different light. There are not many big events up in our corner of the state and we don’t host golf tournaments at Barnbougle. Polo was a great opportunity for a single day event and also a fun way for local Tasmanians to experience the “Sport of Kings” in their own state and enjoy a fun day out. The polo also gives us a great outlet to showcase our amazing Tasmanian producers and give back to the local community. This event wouldn’t be possible without our amazing sponsors, Fairfax, Stella Artois, Sprit of Tasmania, Bass Strait Beef, Tassal, Pipers Brook Wines, Aperol Over 3500 people attended this year and we hope to top that in 2019.
“The polo event will be in its 5th year in 2019 and it all started with a crazy idea, we had very little knowledge of the sport however felt that polo and golf were a match made in lush green grassy heaven!” THA Membership Manager, Nick Roney recently sat down with Penny Sattler, General Manager of Barnbougle Tasmania, to talk about all things relating the upcoming Polo event on the 19th of January 2019. One of the major struggles for us at the beginning were the costs, they were significant to get the event off the ground. This included the cost of building, irrigating and maintaining the field and of course the payment for professional players and horses. As with any festival or event, the first year is always difficult to gain traction but with such a strong brand already in place with Barnbougle Golf Courses it made things a little easier. The event speaks for its self, Barnbougle Polo is exactly that, a polo event showcasing some of the best players in Australia and indeed the world. “We have had the captain of the Australia and NZ teams play and we even had the captain of the English polo team play two years ago – he regularly has a hit with Prince William and Harry!” In addition to the match, it’s a great opportunity to dress up, catch up with friends and enjoy amazing food, wine and beer. The views of north east Tassie are pretty good too! “At Barnbougle we have a course maintenance team that work around the clock 365 days per year to ensure the golf courses are in great condition. The quality of the Polo field is very important for the horses and players to ensure a good fast paced match. The two golf courses – Barnbougle Dunes and Barnbougle Lost Farm –
18 enquiries@tha.asn.au 03 6220 7300
Hospitality Review
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