PENALTY AREAS
RED STAKES/YELLOW STAKES
RULE 17
When you are certain that your ball has entered a penalty area (water hazard) whether it be lined with red or yellow stakes below are the options you are allowed to follow under the Rules of golf.
1st option.
Play another ball from where you are currently, i.e., where made your last stroke.
Continue play with a one stroke penalty.
2nd option.
Go down to where you believe or saw you ball cross the margin/edge of the penalty area. If you can see your ball in the penalty area you may play it as it lies. You may ground your club, and make practice swings.
Continue play with NO penalty.
3rd option. Regardless of whether the stakes are RED or YELLOW
Determine the point where you estimate your ball last crossed the margin/edge of the penalty area and you may drop a ball in a relief area on a line going straight back from the hole through this estimated point. The relief area is one club length in size either side of the point where you intend to drop a ball. You may go back on this line as far as you wish.
Continue play with one stroke penalty.
4th option ONLY if the stakes are RED.
Red stakes usually line penalty areas which run laterally, as in along the course rather than across it making dropping a ball behind, in line with the pin, very difficult.
Determine the point where you estimate your ball last crossed the margin/edge of this RED penalty area and drop a ball laterally within a two-club length relief area no closer to the hole. This area is wedge shaped from your reference point where the ball crossed the margin. See page 106 of your small 2019 Rules book for a great diagram.
Continue play with a one stroke penalty.
Hilary
dbwgc.com 