Local Rules
Out of bounds at roads, railway fence and 1st/10th compound
A ball is out of bounds when lying on or over any road or railway fence, or in the compound marked by white posts to the right of the 1st/10th hole.
Paths treated as integral objects with one exception
All paths are integral parts of the course except the path from the front left of the 4th/13th hole to the front left of the 5th/14th hole. Interference only with stance does not count.
Manhole covers
All manhole covers are immovable obstructions and free relief is allowed under Rule 16.1.
Course Intelligence
Course Character
The shared 4th/13th and 5th/14th sequence makes attention to priority and target selection important, while the club’s path and boundary rules affect relief decisions. Thames Ditton & Esher Golf Club is a long-established Surrey members’ course in Esher, with a distinctive local setting and strategic shared-hole layout. Historic members golf beside the Thames valley
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 Thames Ditton and Esher Golf Club.