Local Rules
Specified drainage ditches
Drainage ditches adjacent to the woods at the 3rd, 6th, 12th and 16th holes are covered by the club rule.
Woodland no-play areas
The woodland to the left of the 7th and 16th fairways and right of the 9th and 18th tee/carry is designated no play.
Hut at 3rd green integral object
The hut at the 3rd green is integral to the course; play the ball as it lies or deem it unplayable.
Elephant Bath mandatory relief
The Elephant Bath at the 7th/8th and 16th/17th holes is a water hazard where play is prohibited; a ball in the red-staked area requires one-stroke relief, with the marked drop zone required when playing the 7th/16th.
Winter preferred lies
When winter rules apply, a ball on a closely mown area through the green may be marked, lifted, cleaned and replaced within six inches, not nearer the hole, in a hazard or on a putting green, and only once.
Alternate-green fringe measurement
When alternate greens are in use, their fringes are closely mown; if the extent cannot be determined, it is three club lengths from the green edge.
Course Intelligence
Course Character
The compact layout has several defined out-of-bounds and protected areas, so precise target selection and checking the current winter status are central to a comfortable round. Osborne Golf Club is a scenic nine-hole parkland course in the grounds of Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, with protected woodland, Solent views and glimpses of Queen Victoria’s holiday home. Parkland golf in the Osborne House estate
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 areas out of bounds
The practice area is out of bounds from the 5th and 14th holes; the closely mown practice ground between the 5th/14th and 9th/18th fairways is also out of bounds from the 5th/14th.
Practice green and flower beds out of bounds
The practice green and flower beds defined by white posts to the left of the 1st tee are out of bounds.