Bonnie Doon is situated in Pagewood, NSW; which is a suburb south of Sydney. Currently being renovated, only 15 holes are in play. In March 2012, the entire course will be reopened with new practice facilities as well.
Clayton Ogilvy golf design company is undertaking the renovation. I double checked and yes, Clayton refers to the infamous Michael Clayton who had the strangest putt ever caught on camera. See the following on youtube. The one where he flipped his putter in the air on the green only to drop it, hit the ball, him diving towards it, and hitting the ball himself as he lay facedown, motionless on the green probably thinking to himself, “What the hell just happened?”
As for the course, it is a challenging layout with numerous sets of tees to satisfy all golfers. The course is fortunate to have very sandy soil so drainage is never a problem. After heavy rains that would have some courses closed for weeks, give Bonnie Doon 10 minutes and you’ll be able to continue play.
The greens are quick, but hold iron shots. The course’s par 3’s are its strength in my eyes demanding a range of shots: both uphill and strategic depending on where the pin is located. The old 17th hole (current 14th hole) is one of the best par 4’s in Australia. It is a great risk/reward hole where a well-struck drive will leave you with a short pitch to a difficult green and a layup off the tee will demand a very precise mid iron shot. Two bunkers guard the front of the green, native bush and grass up to your knees guard the left, and going long or right will provide a near impossible up and down.
The course is well manicured with views to the city on some holes. The clubhouse has cold beers available after the round with a full kitchen.
