Feature Review John O'Gaunt Golf Club

Review by Golfshake Member Adrian Fallon (10 Handicap)

John O'Gaunt golf club is a private members golf club situated just outside Sandy in Bedfordshire. It has 2 courses, I played the older, longer John O'Gaunt course.

This a very mature tree lined parkland course, easy walking but not flat, lots on undulations on fairways and greens. This course is very appealing to the eye.

Pre-round thoughts 

I'd heard a lot about John O'Gaunt prior to my visit and it has a very good reputation so was looking forward to playing there.

It has a very impressive clubhouse, an old manor house/stately home type of building with a separate pro shop.There was very good changing facilities with good security and also a well stocked pro shop.

I didn't venture into the clubhouse before my round but did have a practice on the putting green which appeared to be very quick. The course looked impressive while waiting to tee off and I did notice how tree lined it was.

Please take note of the clubs dress code, you will not be allowed to play if you do not abide by this. One of my team mates didn't quite have the required dress code and was politely informed, luckily he had suitable clothing with him to rectify this.

Par 3's 

Only three Par 3's but all very impressive in their own right. All are elevated with sculptured bunkers to catch your ball.You really have to try to get close to the flag as all the greens were fairly big with large slopes and undulations. The 10th is an outstanding par 3 and an extremely difficult hole to judge club length, surrounded by trees and very elevated with big bunkers

Par 4's 

13 Par 4's none of which are boring and all tree lined, most are dog lesg. Positioning your ball on the right part of the fairway is vital to reach the green in regulation.

5,6 and 13 are tough holes off the white tees with only accurate long tee shots needed to give a chance of birdie or par.

the 7th has a relatively easy tee shot but your 2nd shot will be to a green high up in the trees. The 8th is downhill through a narrow funnel of trees with bunkers to catch your drive on the right.

Par 5's

Only 2 par 5's both short and interesting, the 9th is uphill and well bunkered and the 17th, almost straight but the elevated green is tucked into the right protected by 2 giant trees.

Post round thoughts

The course was in perfect condition in my opinion. You definitely can't just blast a driver off the tee unless your accurate, wayward shots are heavily punished.

The clubhouse was very pleasant inside, food and drink didn't stand out as anything other than what you would expect.

Final thoughts

The greens were in great shape, I know they protect them in the winter. I've only played it once so can't comment how it plays all year but with another course on the property I'd imagine this one is well looked after in the winter.

It may not be a course for the very high handicap golfer or the casual hacker but I'd certainly recommend it to anyone if given the chance to play it. It will go high up on my course favorite list.

Adrians Rating - 10/10