Red or Yellow Penalty Zone: Your Options
A pond, a ditch, an area marked with red or yellow stakes: what do the rules say? The USGA summarizes the 2023 Rules regarding penalty areas in 90 seconds, covering everything from playing the ball as it lies to relief options based on color.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
A penalty area is any body of water along the route, plus any area marked by stakeouts or red or yellow lines. If your ball is there, you can always play as she rests. Before taking your shot, you may set the club down on the ground, take practice swings that touch the ground, and remove debris.
If you take a break, the color of the stakes indicates the number of options, all of which have a one-stroke penalty. Option 1: Stroke and distance, from the spot of the previous stroke. Option 2: Imagine a straight line extending from the hole and passing through the point where the ball last crossed the boundary of the area; drop the ball on that line, behind that point. The ball may roll up to one club length in any direction from its point of contact with the ground, even forward. Option 3, only in the red zone: Drop the ball two club lengths from the point where it entered the area, but no closer to the hole. A drop zone may also be designated.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Identify the color of the stakes or lines in the area.
- Decide whether the ball is playable as it lies; if so, you may set down your club and take a few practice swings.
- Otherwise, locate the spot where the ball last crossed the boundary of the area.
- Shot and Distance Option: Replay from the spot where the previous shot was taken.
- Back-up option on the line: Align the hole with this point, step back along the line, and drop the ball.
- In the red zone only: Drop the ball two club lengths from this spot, no closer to the hole.
- Check to see if there is a drop zone; this may be an additional option.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Believing that you can't hit the ball in a penalty area.
- Do not put the club down on the ground or take a practice swing in the area.
- Use the two club lengths option in the yellow zone.
- Use the spot where the ball comes to rest as a reference point, rather than the point where it crossed the boundary.
- Forget about the penalty kick.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Before each game, locate the red and yellow zones on the map
- On the course, mark the entry point as soon as the ball reaches it
- Practice visualizing the hole-to-entry point line
- Say your options out loud before dropping
Your Questions
Can you place the club on the ground in a penalty area?
Yes. The USGA specifies that before playing your ball as it lies, you may place your club on the ground, take practice swings that touch the ground, and remove debris.
What's the difference between red and yellow stakes?
The color determines the number of options. Yellow: stroke and distance or a drop behind the line. Red: both of these options, plus a drop two club lengths from the point of entry, no closer to the hole.
What reference point should be used for the backward option on the line?
The point where the ball last crossed the boundary of the area. The line starts at the hole and passes through that point; you drop the ball behind that point, and the ball may roll up to one club length, even forward.
How much does a clearance cost?
A penalty kick, regardless of which option is chosen.
Learn More
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