BONVILLE GOLF RESORT

The mere mention of a round at Bonville Golf Club elicits a mix of excitement and nervousness on my part. The sense of prestige that comes with playing at one of Australia’s most awarded Golf Clubs is (to me) unrivalled domestically. I know the course is a magnet for players of all capabilities, but I just can’t shake my slight feelings of unease. As a relative newcomer to golf, I figure I’m in for more than a few challenging holes ahead. Australia’s top pros have all had a good crack here and whilst I’m nowhere near there league (nor will I ever be) I’m keen to drive hard off the 1st tee, artfully land before the fairway bunker and hopefully avoid the water on my right. Too easy!

The natural beauty of the Bonville Golf Resort is truly breathtaking. A quintessential Australian bushland forest setting envelopes the venue to create a towering chamber of Blackbutt, Ironbark and Tallowwood trees as far as the eye can see. It’s a hot day when I arrive for my tee time and yet I’m relieved by a cooling sub-tropical breeze. Bonville impresses an atmosphere of tranquillity, but I’m not relaxed just yet, far from it, I’m taking my psyche up for the 1st nine very, very seriously.

Turns out I need not be nervous at all since my initial Bonville golfing experience is very welcoming. As soon as I arrive at the pro shop (stocked with an excellent array of golf equipment and fashion) I’m matched with a set of sleek Mizuno clubs by the resident pro. From here I meet up with Paula Palin (ex-Ladies Club Champion) who introduces me to Gabby and Vienna (junior gals). Together they proudly show me around the club and share a few ‘local knowledge’ course hints and tips with me.

The club itself has a rich history in Australian golfing folklore, ask almost anyone and you’ll be sure to hear an elated golfing story tumble out of the players great golfing highlights memory bank. Female golfers definitely hold Bonville in the highest regard, given it’s the home of the annual Australian Ladies Open. In fact, our recent cover star, Steph Kyriacou won that event here just last year, ultimately propelling her professional golfing career into a new stratosphere.

Every keen golfer I have ever met has this place firmly set as a bucket list golf resort destination. The Par 72 championship course is always in immaculate condition, and the undulating holes provide a challenging but rewarding golfing experience for both novice and expert golfers alike. Disclaimer; I was most comfortable hitting off from the gold tees for beginners, this advantage bolstered my driving confidence and made the sweeping fairways ahead much more approachable. Given the club’s moniker as Australia’s Augusta it seemed fitting for a casual player like myself to opt for the easier tee off option.

The carts at Bonville Golf Resort all feature a state of the art Visage GPS System with detailed info on each hole appearing on the monitor before you. Again, a handy advantage for 1st time visitors. Bonville’s appeal lies not only in the golf course, but the chance to escape to an enigmatic sanctuary, where a warm welcome and old fashioned customer service from beginning to end, make the experience one to remember.

I wrapped my day with a leisurely lunch the Clubhouse, local fresh caught snapper for me, plus a cheeky side of sparkling. Whilst my partner opted for a mouth-watering steak and an ice cold tap beer. A heavenly place for a dining date I tell you. The clubhouse deck offers an entertaining vantage point to watch other golfers playing the par 3, 8th hole and the 18th.

Be sure to wander upstairs to see the sporting memorabilia of golfing greats adorning the ‘Legends Wall’. Here I spied a myriad of grinning profile photo’s featuring top Australian athletes that have played here. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if you pass the odd celebrity here in real life, such is the draw of the esteemed Bonville Golf Resort.

STAY & PLAY
Bonville’s all inclusive, Stay, Play, and Dine packages include accommodation, 18 holes of golf including luxury electric cart hire boasting Visage GPS, ball washers, USB charging ports and comfortable seating, together with a 3 course a la carte dinner and a la carte breakfast in the multi award-winning Flooded Gums restaurant.
Secure your 2021 Bonville experience from $370pp mid-week.
Call (02)6653 4002 or email stay@bonvillegolf.com.au to enquire.

GETTING THERE
Thanks to Qantas, you can now fly direct to Coffs Harbour from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Bonville is located halfway between Sydney and Brisbane and just 10 minutes’ drive south of the Coffs Harbour CBD, at the foot of the Great Dividing Range.