Local Rules
Abnormal course conditions
Marked abnormal ground conditions and the listed artificial roads, paths, drainage channels, bridges, steps, benches, shelter, trees and sprinklers are handled under Rule 16 as specified.
Aeration holes
A ball in or touching an aeration hole may take relief under Rule 16.1b in the general area or Rule 16.1d on the putting green, subject to interference limits.
Directional marker posts
A shot that hits a directional marker post, including those on the 8th and 13th, must be replayed without penalty.
Out of bounds
Private land, hedges, public roads, the 9th tee car park and the defined internal boundary between holes 13 and 14 are out of bounds.
Penalty areas
All penalty areas are red; open ditches and ponds are red penalty areas even when unmarked, with lateral relief available where applicable.
Course Intelligence
Course Character
Plan around heather, boundaries and red penalty areas; use the club’s Local Rules before tee-off. Piltdown is a heather-lined course carved from ancient Sussex heathland in a distinctive rural setting. A historic Sussex heathland course
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 Piltdown Golf Club.