The short answer

The ruling in plain English

You may play the ball as it lies without penalty, or take relief for one penalty stroke. From either a yellow or red penalty area you may use stroke-and-distance or back-on-the-line relief; a red penalty area also gives lateral relief within two club-lengths of the last crossing point, no nearer the hole.

How the Rule works

Check these facts first

A player may play a ball as it lies in a penalty area without penalty unless a no play zone requires relief. Stroke-and-distance and back-on-the-line relief are available for one penalty stroke from both yellow and red penalty areas. Lateral relief within two club-lengths of the last crossing point is available only for a red penalty area.

What to do, in order

Your on-course procedure

  1. 1

    Decide whether it is known or virtually certain that the ball is in the penalty area and identify where it last crossed the edge.

  2. 2

    Check whether the area is marked yellow or red.

  3. 3

    Either play the ball as it lies, use stroke-and-distance, or use back-on-the-line relief.

  4. 4

    For a red penalty area only, you may instead drop within two club-lengths of the last crossing point, no nearer the hole.

Penalty

Count it correctly

One penalty stroke for any Rule 17.1d relief option; none for playing the ball as it lies.

The exact outcome depends on the stated facts and format of play. Apply any exception below before recording the penalty.

Exceptions and common mistakes

Know when the answer changes

  • If it is not known or virtually certain that an unfound ball is in the penalty area and it becomes lost, Rule 18.2 applies.
  • A no play zone in a penalty area may require relief rather than allowing the ball to be played as it lies.

Avoid these wrong turns

  • Taking lateral relief from a yellow penalty area.
  • Measuring relief from where the ball finished rather than where it last crossed the edge.
Authoritative source

Check the official wording

This independent guide is a plain-English aid. The current Rules, Interpretations and any course Local Rules control the ruling.

R&A Rule 17.1
Try a quick quiz

Would you make the right call?

Answer one situation from this guide, then try the full rules challenge for bragging rights.

Question 1 of 1Starter
Golf Penalty Area Relief: Yellow and Red Options Explained

Which relief option is available only for a red penalty area?

Choose one answer