Anyone who’s played a round of golf has likely encountered the colorful stakes dotting the course.
Among these, red stakes are particularly significant, marking penalty areas that can challenge even seasoned players. But what exactly do these red markers signify, and how should golfers navigate them?
Since January 2019, the term “water hazard” has been replaced by “penalty area” in the Rules of Golf, expanding the scope to include not just water features but also deserts, jungles, and lava rock fields.
Red penalty areas offer an additional lateral relief option, a crucial detail that can save players from unnecessary penalties.