Local Rules
Out of bounds
The official course boundaries include roads, walls, fences, banks, white stakes, trenches, car park, clubhouse, greenkeepers’ premises, practice putting green and defined non-turfed areas.
Boundaries
Objects defining out of bounds, including walls, fences, stakes, notices and railings, are fixed boundary objects and are not obstructions.
Staked trees
Free relief is available without penalty when a staked tree interferes with stance or intended swing.
Stones
Embedded stones, rocky areas and fallen stones from boundary walls are treated as ground under repair.
Bunkers
Bunkers out of play due to greenkeeper work are GUR; artificial bunker faces are integral objects with no relief.
Immovable obstructions
Course furniture and man-made or artificial paths are immovable obstructions.
Movable obstructions
150-yard distance posts, sighting posts and guidance ropes/posts are movable obstructions.
Greenside sprinkler heads and aeration defects
Model Local Rule F5 applies to qualifying greenside sprinkler-head line-of-play interference; relief also applies to aeration holes, slits, cracks and drainage channels as stated.
Ground under repair
White-lined GUR areas, including the listed areas by the 2nd green, 4th tee, 14th tee and 14th green, are GUR; play is prohibited and compulsory relief applies.
Temporary preferred lies
When in play, a ball in the general area cut to fairway height or less may be placed once within the stated six-inch relief area, no nearer the hole.
Temporary aeration holes
When required, a ball in or touching an aeration hole on the putting green may take relief under Rule 16.1d, excluding line-of-play interference.
Course Intelligence
Course Character
Elevation, exposed views and detailed boundary/GUR rules make careful target selection and local-rule review essential. Worlebury Golf Club is a Harry Vardon-designed parkland course on Worlebury Hill, with wide views over the Bristol Channel, Severn Estuary, South Wales coast and Mendip Hills. Vardon-designed hilltop golf above the Severn Estuary
Major Risks
Changing weather and lies Wet conditions can alter traction, rollout and whether temporary relief rules are active. GUR and marked bunkers The club distinguishes ordinary bunkers from bunkers specifically marked as GUR, so check stakes and notices. Protected areas and fences The hole 5 protective fence and marked course-protection features have specific relief consequences. Wrong greens Greens 3, 5 and 10 have an extended wrong-green fringe relief requirement.
Blue Tee Strategy
Check GUR stakes, marked bunkers and temporary Preferred Lies before teeing off. Avoid forcing the hole 5 fence line; keep a playable angle for the next shot. Use conservative targets around the wrong greens and protected areas. Let the current local rules shape the plan
Golfer Reviews / Consensus
Weather-sensitive conditions GUR and temporary rules Protected fences and wrong-green areas A scenic, historic parkland course where course management and awareness of current notices are essential. MEDIUM Historic James Braid design Dorset countryside views Friendly visitor welcome Established parkland character
Course Conditions
PARTIALLY_VERIFIED Check the live status before play Check the club website for current course status. Confirm which temporary rules and bunker designations are active before play. 2026-08-29 The correct relief and trolley/buggy decision depends on the day’s posted conditions. The club publishes current status and may designate all or selected bunkers as GUR after heavy rain; temporary rules can change.
30-second Pre-round Brief
Sherborne in one minute Check current status, GUR and Preferred Lies notices. Conditions Only marked bunkers are treated as GUR; ordinary bunkers remain in play under the Rules of Golf. Bunkers The protective fence is integral, so there is no free relief from it. Hole 5 Greens 3, 5 and 10 have a specific extended relief area. Wrong greens Sherborne is a scenic James Braid parkland course where current conditions and precise local-rule decisions shape the round.
Regulations
Practice ground
The practice ground defined by blue/white posts is an integral part of the course.