Local Rules
Out of bounds
Out of bounds is beyond any boundary fence, hedge, wall, white stakes or white tree markings; all tarmac except the entrance-road area inside its white stakes; the hotel, patio, lawns and flower beds; beyond the hedge right of the 10th; and beyond the wall behind the 18th green.
Bunkers — abnormal lie
Normally play the ball as it lies in a bunker. Relief may be taken when the ball has an abnormal lie, such as a deep animal or foot print, but playing partners must first agree that the lie is abnormal.
Temporary putting greens
A defined temporary putting green that is not in use is treated as a wrong green, so relief must be taken under Rule 13.1f.
Movable obstructions
Distance marker posts, and hoops, ropes and metal stakes protecting worn ground or marking Ground Under Repair, are movable obstructions.
Immovable obstructions
Artificial surfaces, including the defined entrance road, staked trees and bushes, and fixed sprinkler heads are immovable obstructions; relief is mandatory for staked trees and bushes.
Temporary rules
Additional temporary rules may apply; players must check the club noticeboard before play.
Preferred lies (winter rules)
From 1 October to 30 April, on a closely mown area in the general area, a player may mark, lift, clean and place the ball within 6 inches (150 mm), not nearer the hole, once. Failure to mark before lifting or moving the ball otherwise incurs a one-stroke penalty.
Course Intelligence
Course Character
The course’s character comes from its ridge-top setting: broad hill-and-dale views, historic design heritage and a memorable downhill signature 6th. The scenery is part of the strategy, because elevation, exposed lies and boundary features can change how confidently a shot should be played. Coulsdon Court is a Harry S Colt-designed par-70 course of just over 6,000 yards, laid out on a North Downs plateau about 500 feet above sea level. From the 9th green, the club highlights spectacular views over London and Caterham Valley. Harry S Colt golf above the London skyline
Major Risks
Ridge-top exposure The course sits on a plateau about 500 feet above sea level on the North Downs, so elevation and exposed ridge conditions can influence club choice. Downhill signature par three The 6th is a downhill par three and the club’s signature hole; commit to the correct carry and account for the slope. Historic parkland boundaries The layout’s hotel, roads, hedges and walls are also relevant course boundaries under the club’s Local Rules.
Blue Tee Strategy
Recheck carry distances on the elevated North Downs setting before selecting a club. At the downhill 6th, favour a committed target and account for the drop in elevation. On the difficult 2nd, prioritise a playable position over a low-percentage aggressive line. Before play, confirm temporary rules and the active winter preferred-lies period at the club noticeboard. Use the ridge, control the targets
Golfer Reviews / Consensus
Ridge-top elevation can alter distance judgement The boundary features and hotel-side areas require awareness The club presents a historic Harry S Colt-designed course on a North Downs plateau, with broad views and a distinctive downhill signature hole. HIGH Panoramic London and Caterham Valley views Historic Colt design heritage Distinctive downhill signature hole
Course Conditions
NOT_VERIFIED Check current conditions and temporary notices Check the club noticeboard for additional temporary rules. Confirm whether preferred lies are active between 1 October and 30 April. Ask the club about current wind, course condition and any temporary putting greens. 2026-09-28 2026-08-28 Temporary notices and seasonal preferred lies can change how the course should be played on the day. The club’s published rules require players to check the noticeboard for temporary rules; day-of-play conditions still need confirmation.
30-second Pre-round Brief
Coulsdon Court in 30 seconds The course sits high on a North Downs plateau, so judge elevation and exposed conditions before committing to a club. Respect the ridge The signature 6th is a downhill par 3; choose the target and carry deliberately rather than reacting to the view. Plan the 6th Hotels, roads, hedges and walls appear in the club’s Local Rules, so identify boundary lines before aggressive shots. Know the boundaries A historic ridge-top course with panoramic views, a signature downhill par three and boundary-sensitive parkland strategy.
Regulations
Pace of play in three-player competitions
In club competitions organised as groups of three, no player may join a three-player group except at the back of the field. If players join elsewhere, all four players may be disqualified; two-tee starts can affect which group is considered last.