Water Hazard (Yellow Stakes)
Rules
Explained Simply
A penalty area marked with YELLOW stakes or lines — usually a pond or stream crossing the fairway. Fewer drop options than red stakes.
Example
“Yellow stakes front a pond crossing the fairway. If your ball goes in, you can replay from where you last hit (plus 1 stroke) or drop behind the hazard on a line from the hole.”
Why it matters
Yellow-staked hazards limit your drop to behind the hazard or replaying — you cannot drop laterally like you can with red stakes.
Common beginner mistake
Trying to carry a water hazard when you can't reach it reliably. Lay up short of it instead.
Related
casual
Rules
Related
- Penalty Area (Hazard)An area on the course (marked red or yellow stakes) where special penalty rules apply if your ball lands there — usually bodies of water but can include other areas.
- Lateral Hazard (Red Stakes)A type of penalty area marked with RED stakes or lines, usually running alongside a hole. Gives you extra drop options compared to a regular (yellow) penalty area.
- DropThe official way to put a new ball into play after a penalty or when taking relief. You hold the ball at knee height and let it fall straight down.