article by Sam Gole - Bonville International Golf Resort

DREAM COURSESBONVILLE GOLF RESORTBrilliantBonville46www.drummondgolf.com

BONVILLE GOLF RESORTBonville Golf Resortis renownedinternationally as asuperbly beautifulgolf course.Sam Gole visitedthe Coffs Harbourresort to see what allthe fuss is about.The 18th is a classic risk reward par five hole.You will be tempted to reach the green intwo, but danger awaits.If ever a place lives up to its hype thenBonville Golf Resort is it. Found 15minutes south of Coffs Harbour, thisinland beauty is one of the most majesticcourses I’ve seen in more than 20 yearsin golf.Evident upon arrival, as seen fromthe view overlooking the 18th green, isthe severe undulation of the fairways– an imposing yet inviting prospect forthe avid golfer, and a challenge you’lleagerly pursue.With an Augusta National-likefeel echoed through several holes –particularly the stunning par three 17th– you’ll feel like a major winner playingfrom idyllic white sand bunkers andenticing green fairways.But what’s most impressive about this6075-metre heavily tree-lined course is itsability to blend aesthetics, challenge andfairness that so many other courses lack.The consistency of the layout is one of itsstrongest features, with towering floodedgums aligning the fairways as if guidingyou home to each hole.The start to your round – a 380-metrepar four with a gentle dogleg right andcreek running through the fairway onyour way to an elevated green– is awonderful showcase of what awaits youover the next four hours.Looking back on a good day’s golfcan be most rewarding, and the samecan be said when standing on any ofBonville’s smooth couch greens. Some ofthe views are simply superb, and offer adifferent aspect to the scene from whenceyou just came.But for those hard-headed golfersless interested in nature’s beauty thana golfing challenge, your desires willwww.drummondgolf.com 47

DREAM COURSESBONVILLE GOLF RESORTThe 17th combines the visual and technicalattributes of Augusta’s famous back nine par threes.not go wanting at Bonville. Despite itsaverage length by today’s standards, itis a real shotmaker’s layout, asking fordraws and fades off the tee (and into thegreens) for those wanting a head-to-headchallenge. The steep undulations onmany fairways will take a bit of gettingused to for most, and are a welcomeaddition to the round.Having said that, Bonville is one ofthe fairest courses you’ll find, rewardinggood shots but always offering bailoutareas for the more conservative player.Rarely does luck, or a lack of it, play apart in where your ball finishes. Goodshots are not punished here – a notionmore course designers should heed.After all, golf is to be enjoyed and coursesshould want you to return. Believe me,after a round here, you’ll be back.In a way, this track is all things toall people. Take the 404-metre par four12th, arguably the finest hole and ratedthe most difficult. A severe dogleg right,which from an elevated tee requires astrong left-to-right drive that can shortenyour approach significantly. In fact thedifference can be as much as hitting ashort iron or a hybrid into a tame greenguarded by a bunker left, and deceptivewater right. In essence, this course livesby the saying, “there’s more than oneway to skin a cat”.Another favourite among visitors isthe 357-metre par four 15th, one of themost picturesque holes on the course.Framed by flooded gums, the fairwayoffers brilliant views to a water-protectedgreen. Depending on where your teeshot lands, these views alter dramaticallymeaning each time you play Bonville,you’ll enjoy a different experience.Similar descriptions could be appliedfor each hole, such is the overall characterof this course.DININGOf course, there are other importantaspects to a golfing holiday. The diningexperience can be the deciding factor inthe choice of a getaway destination. Andit is here that Bonville’s Flooded Gumsrestaurant complements the feel andatmosphere of its surrounding beauty.Renowned Sydney chef George Franciscoof Jonah’s Restaurant (Bonville’s PartnerProperty) as the resort’s consultingchef and Bonville’s Executive Chef LeeO’Carroll, offer restaurant guests finedining at night, and a casual diningexperience during breakfast and lunch.The Flooded Gums a la carte diningmenu and fine winelist are particularlyimpressive.Think crisp-skinned salmon filletwith salsa verde, crisp pancetta, confitgarlic, cherry tomatoes and baby fennel;or garam masala spiced duck breast with48www.drummondgolf.com

BONVILLE GOLF RESORTThe 15th, although short in length, requiresa solid approach shot to avoid a watery grave.PACKAGESee page 40 for the specialDrummond Club Package.duck leg confit, potato and apple galette,crisp oyster mushrooms and broccolini.For dessert, the deconstructed “Deathby Chocolate” with callebaut chocolatecovered mousse, cocoa meringue, mocharum sauce and chocolate brownie cake issure to finish you off. Enjoy all this whileyou relive the memories of your day’splay overlooking the 18th green as theghostly white flooded gums illuminatethe way.From golf operations to restaurantstaff, the genuinely friendly team atBonville help make your experiencepleasant and relaxing – nothing is toomuch trouble here.ACCOMMODATIONA recent $600,000 refurbishment of 30twin-room accommodation ‘suites’ willfurther enhance your stay.The resorts rooms overlooking thefirst hole are comfortable for all golfers,couples and groups alike, while plansfor a multimillion dollar townhousedevelopment – at least two years away –will complete the transformation of thiswonderful resort. The executive roomsinclude a king size bed, 32” plasma TVwith cable, ensuite with spa and viewsfronting the first fairway.Bonville is a complete golfing experiencethat can be shared by both couplesand golf groups, men and women, andplayers of all abilities.Aesthetically, there is no morebeautiful course in Australia, with anabundance of native flora and fauna,including koalas and some rather cheekykookaburras (that appear to be trained tolaugh at errant shots!). Bonville offers awow-factor unlike any other. It really isas good as they say.FACT FILELength: 6075 metres(championship),5794 (men), 5083(ladies)Par: 72Designer: Terry Watson andTed StirlingMembership: Individual, coupleand junior ratesavailableGreen Fee: Public access alsoAddress:availableNorth Bonville Road,Bonville, NSWHow to get there:Bonville Golf Resort is 10 minutessouth of Coffs Harbour airport.There are regular flights from Sydney,Brisbane and Melbourne. The resortis a six-hour drive from Sydney anda five-hour drive from Brisbane.www.drummondgolf.com 49