Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
A Penalty Area is an area where a player may take specific relief for one penalty stroke when the ball comes to rest there. It includes course water and other areas the Committee defines, and is marked red or yellow; the colour changes available relief options.
How it matters in match play
In match play, a ball in a Penalty Area may be played as it lies without penalty, or the player may take Rule 17 relief for one penalty stroke. Yellow areas allow stroke-and-distance or back-on-the-line relief; red areas add lateral relief. The penalty stroke counts in the hole score, so it can affect whether the hole is won, lost or halved.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Penalty Area |
| Category | rules |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf, Definitions (Penalty Area); Rule 17.1 and Rule 17.1d |
| Related concepts | Penalty Relief, Penalty Stroke, Drop, Stroke and Distance |
Worked example
On a par-4, Alex's tee shot enters a red Penalty Area; after one penalty stroke he takes lateral relief and holes out in five strokes, while Ben scores 4, so Ben wins the hole.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf, Definitions (Penalty Area); Rule 17.1 and Rule 17.1d
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
What is the difference between a red and a yellow Penalty Area?
Both colours allow stroke-and-distance and back-on-the-line relief for one penalty stroke. A red Penalty Area also allows lateral relief, using a two-club-length relief area from where the ball last crossed the edge, subject to Rule 17.1d.
Can I play my ball from a Penalty Area?
Yes. Under Rule 17.1b, you may play the ball as it lies without penalty, under the same playing rules that apply to a ball in the general area. You may instead take the specific penalty relief in Rule 17.1d.
How many penalty strokes does relief from a Penalty Area add?
Choosing a Rule 17.1d relief option adds one penalty stroke. Playing the ball as it lies from the Penalty Area does not itself add a penalty stroke, although any later breach can carry its own penalty.