Almost by definition, hidden-gem golf courses require a mission in order to find yourself standing on the 1st tee. Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm fall into that category, as any venture to get there usually starts with a flight from the mainland to Launceston airport, then time lost waiting for luggage and collecting a hire car, followed by an hour-plus drive through north-eastern Tasmania to Bridport and onwards to the two courses.

Our correspondent takes a quick snap out the window as the plane comes into land beside the 2nd fairway of the Barnbougle Dunes course.

So, what if you could eliminate a time-consuming part of the commute and fly directly to the golf courses?

It’s a scenario that is now more feasible than fanciful thanks to a Sydney-based tour group that specialises in putting together golf tours with a difference. The Golf Touring Company (TGTC) leads three-day tours to the two iconic Tasmanian courses that depart from Universal Aviation’s hangar at Sydney’s domestic airport and lands golfers on a strip adjacent to the 2nd fairway at Barnbougle Dunes.

Given normal flying conditions, the time from airport to tee could be as little as two hours. The time saved is one thing, but it’s skipping the rigmarole associated with commercial air travel that is the icing on this particular cake. Firstly, passengers can park for free at the departure point at Sydney airport, negating the need for taxis or expensive airport parking. There are no check-in queues or security checkpoints to endure, or strict 30-minute curfews prior to take-off (although, should you choose to arrive early, refreshments are available at Universal’s corporate lounge). And at the other end there is no waiting for your luggage to surface, hire cars to collect or streams of other passengers to weave through. Instead, your bag is collected from a compartment in the back, nose or belly of the aircraft while you check in to your on-site accommodation and march to the 1st tee.