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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/golf-penalty-area-relief-one-stroke

How many penalty strokes for taking relief from a yellow penalty area?

One penalty stroke, for either option.

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  1. None
  2. Two strokes
  3. One stroke ✔

Why: Rule 17.1d gives a yellow penalty area two options, stroke and distance or back-on-the-line relief, each for one penalty stroke.

Huh, didn't know that: Back-on-the-line relief lets you go back as far as you like, keeping the crossing point between you and the hole.

The dad joke
Why did the golf ball go to the lake? It needed a little penalty time to reflect.
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References

Answer: One stroke. Rule 17.1d gives a yellow penalty area two options, stroke and distance or back-on-the-line relief, each for one penalty stroke.

  1. The R&A, Rules of Golf, Rule 17 Penalty Areas www.randa.org/en/rog/the-rules-of-golf/rule-17
    the player has two options, each for one penalty stroke
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Sports & FitnessWhen may a golfer choose stroke-and-distance relief?Sports & FitnessWhat extra relief option does a red penalty area give that a yellow one does not?Sports & FitnessWhere on the course can you NOT declare a ball unplayable?

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