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

What extra relief option does a red penalty area give that a yellow one does not?

Lateral relief, a drop beside where the ball last crossed the edge.

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  1. Free relief with no penalty
  2. Lateral relief near where it crossed the edge ✔
  3. A drop on the green

Why: Rule 17.1d gives yellow areas two options: stroke and distance, or back on the line. Red areas add a third: lateral relief. Each option costs one penalty stroke.

Huh, didn't know that: Committees often mark red when there is no good spot to drop back on the line, like a lake running along a fairway.

The dad joke
What's the difference between red and yellow stakes? About one extra way to say oops.
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References

Answer: Lateral relief near where it crossed the edge. Rule 17.1d gives yellow areas two options: stroke and distance, or back on the line. Red areas add a third: lateral relief. Each option costs 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
    Take lateral relief (red penalty area only).
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Test yourself in the game

Sports & FitnessPenalty areas on a golf course are marked in which two colors?Sports & FitnessUnder standard Rule 17.1d(3), how big is the lateral relief area for a red penalty area?Sports & FitnessHow many penalty strokes for taking relief from a yellow penalty area?

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