Australasian Golf Museum, TASMANIA
Airing Date: Nov 4th, 2002
Drive an hour north of Hobart and you will find the town of Bothwell. Founded by Scottish settlers back in 1821, the town is made up of five shops, one post office and three churches to service the 460 residents, and most of its original foundations still stand.
Bothwells locals loved their golf. In the early 1800s Alexander Reid turned his sheep farm, Ratho, into the famous golf course which operates today. Golfers can still take to the fairways and sample Rathos classic nine hole course for just $8.
Because Ratho was originally a sheep farm there are numerous fences around the course. While the fences keep the animals in or out, they also frequently get in the way of the ball. When this happens, the rule is players can replay the shot or play it as it lies.
Ratho is a living museum where modern golfers can see just how much the equipment has changed over the years. The kids will be fascinated by the old balls made of kangaroo skin stuffed with merino wool.
If youre into your golf history, head to The Australasian Golf Museum. In addition to hiring clubs, the Australasian Golf Museum also houses the largest collection of sporting memorabilia in the Southern Hemisphere. The original putter that Ian Baker Finch used to win the British Open is part of the museum's display, standing as a tribute to our golfing greats.
The owner of the museum, Peter Toogood, has been a keen golfer since became the youngest person to hit a hole in one at the age of eight, a record that stood for 20 years.
Bothwell Grange Guest House in the heart of town is the perfect 10th hole to recover from a day of golf. The guest house's warm welcome combines perfectly with a spread of home cooked meals and three course dinners.
Lastly, while youre in Bothwell head to The Lamont Weaving Studio run by Isabella Shorrock. The studio's gorgeous array of hand dyed mohair scarves and rugs make great souvenirs.
The facts:
Rooms at the Bothwell Grange Guest House cost from $110 per double per night and include breakfast. Three course meals cost $34.50 per person.
Bothwell Grange Guest House
Tel: 03 6259 5556
Hand dyed scarves and rugs start at around $40.
Lamont Weaving Studio
Tel: 03 6259 5698
Australasian Golfing Museum
Tel: 03 6259 4033
Tourism Tasmania
Tel: 03 6230 8137
