John O’Gaunt Golf Club

Project Overview

John O’Gaunt Golf Club aimed to expand its hospitality offering with a new outdoor seating area beside the clubhouse, which required a large tiered retaining wall. Tobermore proposed a tiered Secura Grand walling system for a durable, attractive solution. Mayfair slabs and Sienna Setts in Silver were chosen for the patio, offering a sleek granite finish, while Country Stone walling in Bracken was used for steps and detailed features.

Founded in 1948 in the picturesque parkland of Sandy, Bedfordshire, John O’Gaunt Golf Club is a historic, 300-acre retreat. Home to two 18-hole courses and one of England’s largest members’ clubs, it offers a blend of tradition, beauty, and community for its members. The stately home clubhouse serves as a hub for social events, providing spectacular views of the courses.

The Challenge

The club sought to extend its hospitality offering by creating a new outdoor seating area adjacent to the clubhouse, overlooking the putting green and with a clear view down the course. This new patio space would provide members with additional seating to enjoy the stunning scenery. However, the proposed design required a retaining wall to facilitate the extension. 

Initially, the project architect had specified a single gabion wall to retain the expanded patio area. After an on-site consultation with Tobermore representatives, it became clear that there was an opportunity to use a more aesthetically appealing and space-efficient solution that would better match the prestigious surroundings of the club. 

The Solution

To address both functionality and visual appeal, Tobermore’s team proposed a tiered retaining wall approach using their Secura Grand retaining wall system. This option allowed for a more expansive patio area by replacing the proposed gabion wall with a more decorative and robust solution. The Secura Grand blocks in Bracken were selected to seamlessly complement the existing stonework of the clubhouse, creating a contemporary yet harmonious design. 

For the main patio surface, Mayfair slabs in Silver along with Sienna Setts in Silver were recommended, adding a sleek granite aggregate finish that enhanced the overall modern feel of the space. Additionally, Country Stone walling in Bracken was used to craft elegant steps and intricate details around the clubhouse, adding depth and sophistication to the structure. 

The Result

The result is a stunning outdoor space that perfectly balances function and form. The extended patio now provides a beautiful setting for members to relax, socialise, and take in the serene views of the course. The Secura Grand retaining wall blends seamlessly with the clubhouse’s stone façade, offering a timeless, elegant aesthetic that elevates the entire project. 

This new area has also proven to be a sought-after location for events and functions, enhancing the club’s hospitality offerings. By choosing Tobermore’s products, the club has ensured that this new feature will not only serve its members today but will remain a valuable asset for years to come. 

Customer Testimonial

"We engaged Tobermore at the earliest stages of our project, even before appointing an architect, to help address the challenges posed by the slope and retaining wall requirements. Their team played a pivotal role, not only transforming the initial concept into a fully realised design but also guiding us through the process. The use of Tobermore’s retaining walls, country stone walling, coping, slabs, setts, and steps have not only resulted in a visually stunning terrace but also beautifully complements the historic charm of our 19th-century clubhouse. Throughout the project, Tobermore was proactive, supportive in key decisions, and provided invaluable guidance to both the contractor and the Club, ensuring the outcome exceeded expectations. "

– Gordon MacLeod, General Manager, John O’Gaunt Golf Club