Local Rules
Out of bounds
Beyond white posts, boundary hedging or fencing, and roads or car parks adjacent to holes 2 and 18.
11th cedar and 17th provisional ball
The fallen cedar right of the 11th is integral with no free relief; the 17th has a modified provisional-ball rule for uncertain penalty-area balls.
Young trees
Young trees identified by stakes or protective piping are no-play zones; Rule 16.1f relief is required.
Immovable obstructions
Artificial paths, gravel drainage, fixed furniture, fixed waste bins, temporary holes and sleepers in front of the 4th green are covered by Rule 16 relief.
No-play zones at holes 12-14
The area left of holes 12, 13 and 14 marked by red posts with green tops is a no-play zone requiring compulsory penalty relief.
Green-staked no-play zones
Areas marked with green stakes are no-play zones requiring free relief.
GUR markers and protection
GUR may be marked by lines, signs or blue stakes; new turf or seeded areas protected from play are no-play zones.
Drainage channels
Drainage channels such as those on the 4th and across the 5th are GUR even if not positively identified.
5th natural spring
The bank right of the 5th marked by stakes and rope is temporary GUR; free relief or the rear drop zone is available.
16th old bunker
The area right of the 16th marked by blue stakes or stakes and rope is a no-play zone, not a penalty area; free relief is required.
Course Intelligence
Course Character
The venue’s hole-specific no-play zones, GUR and provisional-ball provisions make a pre-round rules check as important as target selection. Overstone Park Golf Club is an 18-hole course in rural Northamptonshire, with lakes, oak parkland and undulating greens requiring strategic management. Lakes, oak parkland and precise course rules
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
Read the public Local Rules guide and verified course information for Overstone Park Golf Club.