A decision by resort management is allowing golfers to experience Bonville like never before.
Photos by Nick Wall, Scott Carle
Hundreds of thousands of golfers have played at Bonville Golf Resort since its opening nearly 32 years ago but how many have experienced it? Truly experienced it? Truly experienced everything associated with the offering that is Bonville Golf Resort, just south of Coffs Harbour on the North Coast of New South Wales.
Because Bonville Golf Resort is far more than 18 holes of golf. It is, quite possibly, the most idyllic, serene golf property in the country. That means it warrants far more of your time than simply five hours in a golf cart as you alternate between hitting shots and taking photos.
It has been referred to as Australia’s answer to Augusta National almost from the day it opened in 1992 and while there will be architectural purists who will deride Bonville’s place among Australian golf’s must-play courses, such opinions should come with a disclaimer. Because these are the same people who will criticise Pro Hart for painting outside the lines, insist “Top Gun Maverick” is nothing but a remake with a slightly more wrinkled Tom Cruise and that anything other than vanilla ice cream is an overindulgent mélange of conflicting flavours.
Golf is the star attraction but only part of what makes Bonville so special, and a recent move by the resort’s decision-makers has brought that to life like never before.
A MUST STAY AND PLAY
In recent years, Bonville management instigated a switch in policy that has in some circles been misconstrued as shutting their door to the public. With a membership of less than 300, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Bonville thrives on its reputation as a destination golf course and has now made the move to give visitors the complete package. Literally. While there remains provision for green-fee players early in each week, the priority now for Bonville are those guests who stay in-house. In its simplest sense, if you want to play, you must stay.
For the hundreds of social groups who have made an annual pilgrimage to Bonville’s secluded sanctuary, they wouldn’t do it any other way. But for those more accustomed to their golf being a hit-and-run mission, there has been a period of education.
There are three distinct stay-and-play packages visitors can choose from, and those who have booked already this year have discovered it is a deal with a difference.
“The most frequent feedback that I have heard since we altered our offering is that people can’t believe how good the overall experience is. They expected the golf course to be great, but are thrilled with the food, the service and the more relaxed, enhanced vibe with fewer people on the property,” says Brad Daymond, Bonville’s long-time general manager. “Because it is a golf package, they expect to get golf and just the basics in terms of dining and service. Our executive head chef, Darren Ryan, and his staff operate an award-winning restaurant to match anything you might find in a capital city. Plus, we have the view.”
When Australian Golf Digest visited in April, we sat down with a group of travelling friends from NSW who had spent two nights at Bonville, soaking up as much of the ambience to take back with them to Sydney, the Central Coast and north to Murwillumbah. It was the food at the Flooded Gums restaurant, the view and an acclaimed wine list that caught their attention.
“You’re having dinner, and that’s what you’re looking at, right out there,” says Peter, gesturing towards the 18th green and the cascading fairway that climbs away from it. “Of an evening, it’s just spectacular.”
“The food in the restaurant? Phenomenal,” adds Michael. “The quality of the food, the consistency. We order breakfast every morning and they tell us that they will have it ready by 6:15am. At 6:15am – on the dot – coffee, bacon-and-egg rolls – everything is there and ready to go. Unbelievable.”
As they perused the lunch menu, the travelling party admitted to making potentially just one mistake. Rather than drive, they could have flown to Coffs Harbour Airport, which sits just 10 minutes from the grand entrance to Bonville Golf Resort, particularly given they had no need for cars until they departed.
There is accommodation for up to 60 guests at Bonville, the cabins that flank the first fairway another element that elevates a golf holiday to a golf experience.
“Staying on-site affords you the time to enjoy it,” Phil says in succinctly summing it up. “You can generally tee off when you want to tee off, have the warm-up on the range, have a chip and a putt and then after the game you can sit around on the deck with a drink and watch the other golfers come in.”
“The rooms are super-clean; the rooms are absolutely spotless. It’s a special place,” adds Harry. “It’s golf 24/7.”
As has been the case since the day it opened, Bonville Golf Resort prides itself on the level of service it offers. It is attentive rather than overbearing; friendly as opposed to formal. It’s the friend’s house they insist you treat as your own, all the while feeding you sumptuous meals and ensuring your glass of red wine never dips below a third full.
“The golf course is magnificent, but if the staff were ordinary that would take away from the entire experience. Instead, it only elevates it further,” Rob enthused. “We jokingly said among each other that we should get all of the board members of our clubs to come and spend a few days here and to experience the environment and atmosphere that has been established here.”
The extra level of care and attention that Bonville Golf Resort prides itself on was evident during this group’s stay. When a member of the touring party was forced to leave early to attend to a family emergency, the pro shop team did much more than simply remove their names from the daily competition.
“I walked into the pro shop and we pulled out of the comp because we were only five holes into the round,” Michael explains. “They said that wasn’t a problem but then followed up by asking, ‘Is there anything we can do to help you?’ It may seem like a minor thing, but you don’t get that level of care everywhere.”
Because Bonville isn’t everywhere. It could be anywhere. It is golf fantasyland, where experiences shared are memories forever. Why on earth would you not want to savour every moment you possibly can?
THE DETAILS
Bonville Golf Resort
Where: North Bonville Rd, Bonville NSW 2450
Phone: 1300 722 444
Web: bonvillegolf.com.au
