Red Vs Yellow Stakes: Golf Penalty Areas Explained!
Golf Monthly's Joel Tadman and rules expert Fergus Bisset explain the critical differences between red and yellow penalty areas at Trump International Golf Links. They break down the specific relief options for each, including why lateral relief is unique to red stakes, and clarify modern rules regarding grounding your club in a hazard.
Red penalty areas offer four options (including lateral relief), while yellow penalty areas only offer three.
Lateral relief (two club lengths) is strictly prohibited in yellow penalty areas.
Under 2019 rule changes, golfers can ground their club and take practice swings within a penalty area.
Penalty area stakes (red and yellow) are considered movable obstructions and can be removed if they interfere with your swing or stance.
When taking back-on-the-line relief, you can go back as far as you like while keeping the entry point between you and the hole.