But that is where the similarities begin and end, as Bonville has its own distinct character and memorable features. To achieve that end, improvement and change has been the mantra of the Bonville team since the current owner bought the property from the original Japanese developers in 1999.

There was recognition, almost immediately back in 1999, that Bonville needed some dramatic change if it was to stand alongside the best in this country.

All the greens were soon converted from Penncross bentgrass to the more resilient Bermuda 328 grass, while tall trees shadowing some greens were removed or heavily pruned. The putting surfaces have since thrived and today are excellent to putt on.

One aspect of the layout I have always thought was below par was the bunkering. For a layout in an area that receives good rain annually, some of Bonville’s bunkers would not drain very well and there would be occasions of sand washout on others. This problem has certainly been addressed with all 52 bunkers throughout the course being rebuilt during the past two winters. Each bunker was remodelled with better drainage and bunker mat material installed. Bunker mat is a three-dimensional sand retention and drainage matting, which is laid on the steep slope of bunker faces. The sand is trapped within the open structure of the fibres, allowing the sand to be held in place. Even in heavy downpours, the matting allows water to flow internally to the drainage in the base of the bunker without taking sand with it.

High-quality white bunker sand was then transported in from Queensland’s Sunshine Coast to finish off the hazards and the result, for mine, is first class. The bunker remodelling, with most being made larger or re-shaped to be more visually appealing has, again, improved markedly the experience of what is always an enjoyable and challenging round at Bonville.