Whoops, your ball’s in a penalty area. Tough break! While you might still call it a “water hazard,” the official term changed to “penalty area” in 2019, signaling a shift in how you handle these tricky spots on the course. Knowing the rules can save you strokes and frustration.
Penalty areas, marked with either yellow or red lines or stakes, can contain water or just be spots where balls are easily lost or unplayable.
The color determines your relief options: yellow offers two, while red gives you an extra lateral relief choice. Understanding these distinctions can significantly impact your strategy and score.