Local Rules
Integral Parts
Walls and fences defining course limits and raised internal grass banks are integral parts of the course, so free relief is not available.
No Play Zones
White-marked GUR or abnormal course conditions interfering with the ball, stance or intended swing require relief under Rule 16.
Immovable Obstructions
Artificial-surfaced paths, stone-covered drains, benches, markers, shelters, bells, distance markers, waste receptacles, irrigation covers and specified stone tee structures are immovable obstructions under Rule 16.1.
Out of Bounds
Beyond course walls/fences, the car park and practice areas beyond white stakes, the white-staked area left of the path to the 1st tee, and other white-staked areas are OOB.
Penalty Areas
Red stakes define lateral penalty areas and yellow stakes define water penalty areas; Rule 17.1d penalty relief applies.
Fixed Sprinkler Heads
Fixed sprinkler heads are immovable objects; additional line-of-play relief applies near the putting green and ball when the line is affected, subject to the stated Rule 16 conditions.
Suspension of Play
Numerous short klaxon blasts indicate suspension and a continuous blast indicates abandonment.
Protected Trees
Staked protected trees interfering with stance or intended swing require relief under Rule 16.1; the ball must not be cleaned.
Course Intelligence
Course Character
The course combines mature parkland character with changing lies and weather exposure; approach planning and current course notices matter as much as distance. Todmorden Golf Club sits in the Pennine landscape at Cross Stone, with a beautiful setting and a rules framework shaped by walls, slopes, drains and protected features. A beautiful Pennine course with walls, slopes and valley views
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 Todmorden Golf Club.