Local Rules
Out of bounds and course boundaries
Out of bounds is defined by the course-side line of fences and white stakes. The public footpath from the 16th tee to the main road, specified paths behind the 1st tee, practice putting green and 9th tee, and the path from the 9th tee to the front of the 10th are out of bounds as specified by the club.
Penalty areas
The ditch crossing the course on holes 6 and 2 is a penalty area. Relief is available under Rule 17.1d when the ball is known or virtually certain to be in it.
Wrong greens
Relief must be taken from a wrong green under Rule 13.1f. The temporary greens on holes 6 and 17 and the practice putting green are wrong greens even when not in use.
Immovable obstructions and GUR
Fixed sprinkler heads, drains and junction boxes are immovable obstructions. GUR is marked by a white line or GUR sign. All roads and paths, including those not artificially surfaced, are immovable obstructions.
Tyre marks and tractor ruts
Deep tyre marks or tractor ruts in the general area are treated as Ground Under Repair even if they are not marked.
Distance markers
The 200-yard marker on the 3rd hole and 150-yard markers are measured to the centre of the green. Flag colours indicate front, centre and back positions.
Safety and suspension of play
Pedestrians on the public footpath have priority and play must wait until safe. One long klaxon blast means players must leave the course immediately; two short blasts signal that play may resume.
Course Intelligence
Course Character
The course’s distinctive beauty comes from its intimate scale, coastal village atmosphere and nature-reserve surroundings; accuracy matters because small greens punish misses from the sides. Highcliffe Castle is an 18-hole course in Highcliffe-on-Sea, adjacent to Steamer Point Nature Reserve and shaped by a compact, picturesque setting. A compact, charming Dorset coastal parkland course
Major Risks
Small greens This feature can influence club selection and course management. Ditch penalty area This feature can influence club selection and course management. Public footpath and pedestrian safety This feature can influence club selection and course management.
Blue Tee Strategy
Prioritise straight tee shots over aggressive lines. Plan approaches to leave a playable next shot around small greens. Account for the ditch penalty area on holes 2 and 6. Keep misses manageable
Golfer Reviews / Consensus
Check current conditions before play. Available course information provides a useful planning overview; verify conditions on the day. MEDIUM Course character
Course Conditions
PARTIALLY_VERIFIED Check current course conditions. Check the club for current conditions before tee-off. 2026-11-26T00:00:00.000Z 2026-08-28T00:00:00.000Z Temporary restrictions or maintenance may affect play. Official site publishes course status and playing restrictions; verify conditions on the day.
30-second Pre-round Brief
Accuracy and awareness Read the current Local Rules before play, especially the footpath and ditch rules. Course management Allow for the public footpath and wait until it is safe before playing. Course management Use controlled approaches into the small greens. Course management Keep the ball straight, respect pedestrians and plan around the compact layout’s small greens.
Regulations
Read the public Local Rules guide and verified course information for Highcliffe Castle Golf Club.