FORE!
We’re not done with Penalty Areas just yet. Results from our first rules question and our next one is below.
But first this Public Service Announcement: Eisenhower GC is hosting a CGA Rules Seminar on 27 Mar, 0800-1200, cost is $20. Register here: https://coloradogolfassociation.regfox.com/2025-rules-of-golf-seminar-eisenhower
Rule 17 Penalty Areas.
What’s the difference between red and yellow penalty areas?
Only one itty, bitty, thing: there is NO lateral relief from a Yellow Penalty Area.
First, you can always play it as it lies from within the penalty area with no penalty. When you play it as it lies out of a red or yellow penalty are, note that you can ground the club, remove loose impediments, and even remove movable obstacles.
So, if no Local Rule Drop Zone is in effect, there are two 1-stroke penalty options when taking relief from a Yellow Penalty Area.
- Replay under Stroke and Distance
- Drop as far back as you want on a line to the flagstick from where the ball last crossed the edge
There is a nice picture of these two options in your USGA Rules of Golf, see Rule 17, Diagram #1 17.1d: Relief for Ball in Yellow Penalty Area.
Here’s a link that recaps both the Red and Yellow Penalty Area relief options.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Br6WklZdIuo
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Rules Refresher Quiz #2
Q2. Which is correct regarding a penalty area?
a. A ball appears to lie in the general area, but overhangs the edge of the penalty area; the ball is in the penalty area.
b. A ball, inside the vertical edge of the penalty area, lies off the ground in a small bush that is rooted in the penalty area; the ball is not in the penalty area.
c. A ball lies in a no play zone in a penalty area; the player may not play the ball as it lies but must either take free relief inside the penalty area or outside the penalty area under the penalty area relief Rule (17.1d).
Prize: The Legend Has Retired (See attached)
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Rules Refresher Quiz #1
Q1. In stroke play, a player accidentally steps on and moves their ball-marker on the putting green. What is the ruling?
a. No penalty
See Rule 13.1d(1). Corrective action is to replace it to its original spot or best estimate.
Many thanks to the 17 that responded and congratulations, all answered Q1 correctly. And the winner of the hat clip and “It’s All in the Hips” ball marker is…Ken Pearson.
Hit’em straight and not too often,
Tom McKernan
Rules and Handicaps
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