Course Architect – Ross Watson (Currently being redesigned by Geoff Ogilvy and Michael Clayton)
Length – 5,866m / Par 71
Signature Hole - Par 4, 10th.
Course Highlights – The natural contour of the land along with the placement and condition of the bunkers.
Bonnie Doon is not the longest of courses, however, with a number of elevated tees on the front nine, the wind on this course is a big factor creating the illusion of length. Many of the holes played directly into the prevailing southerly, meaning a considerably longer tee shot than sign posted. The surrounding landscape provides the perfect golfing environment, and in many cases, the course designers have used natural contours of the land wisely. The fairways are in decent condition, but for a course ranked No.47, they did not live up to these high expectations. Bunkers are strategically placed and surround many of the greens, most with large vertical walls, and all containing white fluffy sand. Playing Bonnie Doon, one feels this is traditionally how bunkers should sit on a golf course. The fairway bunkers are all in play, but the lack of water carries on the course is disappointing considering the location, and the challenge that water usually provides. The greens were the biggest let down during Bogey's round however. Although decent in condition, and true in read and roll, they would come close to the most uninspiring greens ever played on. Nearly all were flat, and limited in shape. While discussing these imperfections with the members, Bogey was informed that the club has engaged US Open Champion Geoff Ogilvy, along with Michael Clayton, to help redesign the course. Hopefully they will spend a lot of time on the greens to help bring Bonnie Doon back to where it should be. Considering the ranking this course has attained, Bogey was expecting much more.
Bogey's Ratings
Greens - 4/10 – Very average greens. They roll true, however are far too flat and boring for a course of this caliber. They are more aligned with what you would expect from a small country course.
Fairways – 7.5/10 – The fairways provided good shape and good even grass cover, but didn't really seem to provide a good landing zone on all holes.
Bunkers – 8.5/10 - The bunkers on this course are nearly all in play, they are filled with fluffy sand and most have a steep face. These were one of the few highlights of the course.
Customer Service - 7/10 - The staff were friendly and helpful however didn't really provide any course tips for a first timer.
Value - 5/10 – This course is extremely overpriced at $90 per round. Bogey suggests his fellow punters try the Monday open comp which will allow you to play this for almost half that amount. There are better courses in the area for much less!
Overall Rating - 6.4/10 flags
This comment appears to be from someone who expects every quality course he/she plays to have large sloping greens and multiple water carries, obviously a golfer who has never been to or doesn't appreciate the type of course you would find in the UK. This course (which as stated "isn't the longest of courses") protects its length with strategic tee shots and small-medium size and fast greens. The redevelopment by Ogilvy / Clayton is well under way and looks like producing a golf course befitting of its neighbours when completed in March 2012, all be one in a mould more common in Melbourne than Sydney.
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous, thanks for your feedback. I can confirm that I have never played golf in the UK hopefully this will happen one day. I had no issues in regards to the size of the greens and thought they were in decent condition. I just thought once you got on the green there was no real challenge. Maybe I was just on fire with putter that day and they seemed easier than they were.
ReplyDeleteOnce again thanks for your feedback, I look forward to reading what you have to say about other courses I review.