Golf Rules | Stake and line color in Golf Course

Focuses on presenting the implications and associated regulations of the three coloured stakes – white, yellow, and red – on a golf course. The white stakes delineate the boundaries of the course or fairway. Exceeding them incurs a one-stroke penalty and requires a return to the original position for a re-hit. The yellow and red stakes signify water hazards. Multiple handling methods are available when the ball enters, such as hitting in the water, re-hitting from the original position, or dropping behind the hazard. In some cases, a one-stroke penalty is incurred. In special circumstances, the ball is dropped within two club lengths at the entry point and the position must not be closer to the green.

Stakes and Lines of Different Colors on the Golf Course

In general, there are three colors of stakes found on a golf course: white, yellow, and red.

White Stakes

White stakes demarcate the boundaries of the course or the fairway. If a ball is hit beyond the white stakes, a penalty of one stroke is imposed and the player is obligated to return to the original spot for a re-hit. For instance, if the ball is hit beyond the white stakes during the tee-off, a re-tee is necessary and this shot is counted as the third stroke. In cases of uncertainty regarding whether the ball is out of bounds, to save time, a player can hit an additional ball. This additional ball is termed a provisional ball, "provisional". If the original ball is indeed out of bounds, the next shot will be with this provisional ball. However, if the original ball is not out of bounds, regardless of how unfavorable the position of the ball is, the original ball must be hit and the provisional ball picked up.

Yellow Stakes

Yellow stakes signify water hazards. When the ball enters the water hazard:

• A player can roll up their trouser legs and hit the ball in the water without incurring a penalty.
• Return to the original spot for a re-hit with a one-stroke penalty.
• Or drop the ball behind the water hazard with a one-stroke penalty.

Red Stakes

Red stakes also denote water hazards. This type of water hazard differs from that indicated by yellow stakes. It can be quite extensive. For example, one side of a certain hole might have a continuous water hazard from the tee to the green. After the ball enters the red water hazard:

• A player can roll up their trouser legs and hit the ball in the water without incurring a penalty.
• Return to the original spot for a re-hit with a one-stroke penalty.
• Or drop the ball behind the water hazard with a one-stroke penalty.

Occasionally, if it is impractical or outright impossible to require the player to drop the ball behind the hazard. In such cases, when imposing the penalty, it is necessary to drop the ball within two club lengths at the point of entry into the water hazard. The drop position must not be closer to the green than the original position. A one-stroke penalty is imposed.