Local Rules
General out of bounds
Out of bounds is beyond any white marker stakes, fences, footpaths or hedges bounding the course.
Hole 3 road boundary
On the 3rd hole, the road running parallel to the hole and beyond is out of bounds.
Shared 8th/13th boundary stakes
When playing the 8th, the part of the 13th defined by white stakes is out of bounds; when playing the 13th, those stakes are immovable obstructions.
Path behind 9th/18th green
On or over the pathway behind the 9th/18th green is out of bounds, with the defined extent differing toward the 1st hole and Golf Academy.
9th-hole left boundary
Beyond the white stakes left of the 9th continuing to the path behind the 9th/18th green is out of bounds.
Driving range boundary
The driving range as defined by white marker stakes is out of bounds.
Reservoir boundary
Over the fence bounding the reservoir between the 8th, 14th and 15th holes is out of bounds.
Course Intelligence
Course Character
The course’s extensive boundary network and cross-hole interactions reward conservative targets and a clear understanding of which stakes apply on the hole being played. Surrey Downs Golf Club is an 18-hole Peter Alliss-designed course at Kingswood, with lakes, manicured parkland and broad views across the Surrey landscape. Panoramic North Downs golf at Kingswood
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 Surrey Downs Golf Club.