Bonville Golf Resort — Hotel in Bonville

I'd initially reviewed Bonville as 4 stars a while back. This was mainly due to their operational setup where it seems the golf course is managed semi-independantly from the restaurant and accomodation. And while I do think the accomodation could do with a refresh, I'd be lying to myself if I didn't give the course 5 stars.

I'd give the course 6 stars if I could. It's just breathtaking. It is by far and away my favourite course in Australia. Yes I have played them all in the sandbelt. Played each of the Sydney big 4 many times. Barnbougle and Lost Farm? Yes those too. King Island? Done.

Bonville is just simply stunning. It feels like you're not even in Australia. You're in a rain forest, far from civilisation. The back drops are incredible. The elevation changes are just stunning. Surrounded by white barked gums everywhere you look I feel like I'm lost in a massive forest in which incredible holes have been cut.

Honestly I think that other than the 9th and the 13th, the other 26 holes could each genuinely be a signature hole an any course.

The course is setup in such a way that is both very suitable to the adept golfer (5x par 5's that are reachable from the white with two good shots) while also offering many challenges such as uneven lies, water hasards, steep elevation changes and some black tees that you really need to see (hint: keep walking up and find the 11th back tee box).

While this is very personal I must admit that I have become absolutely enamoured with the 15th hole which, on reflection, remains my favourite hole of all time. A dogleg right par 4 that demands less than driver off the tee and to avoid a strategically placed bunker as well as water long and right. This opens to an island green surrounded by lush vegetation that makes you ask "am I still in Australia?" This hole looks great from all angles and walking off with a green in regulation always feels rewarding.

I'll close by saying that the restaurant's verranda, under the colonial style club house offers some of the best post-round views I've witnessed: 180° views allowing you to see Players tee off the 1st, try and hit the 18th in two and trying to get close to the tricky par 3 8th.

I can't get...

FEB2024 - After my experience in Sep 2023 I vowed never again, but earlier this week my mates persuaded me to visit Bonville GC. We booked 2 games as we were advised that we could only play Monday or Tuesday as Wed-Sun is reserved for Members, Members Guests and those who choose to stay at the Bonville accomodation. We played on Monday and whilst the golf course was in good condition (very wet) the greens were absolutley disgraceful. For the cost of play being $175.00 each we expected at least good greens. We decided to cancel the next days game and we played at Coffs Harbour Golf Course which in our opinion was not only as enjoyable layout the greens were streets ahead, the game at Coffs Harbour GC cost us $80.00 each (inc cart) The greens at Coffs Harbour GC are the same grass as Bonville GC so there should be no excusses. Bar staff were very nice and accondating. Don't waste your money playing Bonville as Coffs Harbour is much better not only in value but in total experience.

SEP2023 - Won't be back anytime soon. I purposely left Sydney as to arrive at Bonville GR at around lunch time to stop and have an enjoyable lunch break, but this visit I was greeted with 'sorry we only serve members & guests of the hotel' Well that's a BIG pass on the next golf trip that we have done on a number of occasions at...

Stayed for NYE 23/24 with another couple as part of the stay, play and dine packages.

We were in a room with a king bed, spa bath ensuite and coffee/tea facilities.

The room itself was large and luxurious in sizing and amenities. The spa bath was clean and worked well, ended up getting a good workout with our 3 month old.

We ended up utilising the two single seats and turned them into a mini bassinet for our young one, which worked well.

The only two things I would have liked better from the rooms would be: The air-conditioning is at the end of the room adjacent the bathroom. It took a while to reach the bedded areas. No microwave (to heat towels or bottles) it would have saved us some screaming at 4am 😂

The dining experience was absolutely fantastic. Oysters kilpatrick and pork belly for entrees, followed by a reef and beef special and lamb shoulder. The whole dining experience (both dinner and breakfast) exceeded any expectations we had. So massive compliments to both those in the kitchen and the staff.

The golf course was meticulously kept, even after torrential downpours the day before... they had a caretaker out blowing leaves off the fairway.

Overall this experience has been a highlight for us, and can't recommend it higher to anyone...