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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/golf-penalty-area-colors

Penalty areas on a golf course are marked in which two colors?

Red or yellow. The color decides your relief options.

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  1. Red or yellow ✔
  2. White or blue
  3. Green or orange

Why: Rule 17.1 says every penalty area is defined as red or yellow. The color changes which relief options you get. White usually marks out of bounds instead.

Huh, didn't know that: Penalty areas used to be called water hazards, but since 2019 they can include deserts, jungles and rocks too.

The dad joke
Why did the golf ball avoid the red stakes? It didn't want to see red.
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References

Answer: Red or yellow. Rule 17.1 says every penalty area is defined as red or yellow. The color changes which relief options you get. White usually marks out of bounds instead.

  1. The R&A, Rules of Golf, Rule 17 Penalty Areas www.randa.org/en/rog/the-rules-of-golf/rule-17
    Penalty areas are defined as either red or yellow. This affects the player
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Test yourself in the game

Sports & FitnessWhat extra relief option does a red penalty area give that a yellow one does not?Sports & FitnessYour ball is in a penalty area but you can hit it. Is there a penalty for playing it?Sports & FitnessUnder standard Rule 17.1d(3), how big is the lateral relief area for a red penalty area?

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