Colored stakes on the golf course: 5 colors and their rules

When you walk onto a golf course for the first time, you'll immediately notice: stakes in all kinds of colors along the fairways, in the rough, and around water hazards. They aren't there for decoration. Each color has a specific meaning in the official Rules of Golf and determines exactly what options you have when your ball ends up near or in the marked area.

Below is an overview of the five most common colors, what they mean, and the rules associated with them.

1. White stakes: out of bounds (OB)

White stakes mark the boundary of the playable course, also known as out of bounds (OB). As soon as your ball lies completely across the line between two white stakes, measured at ground level, the ball is out of bounds. What are the rules? You must play a new ball from the original spot where the stroke was made and take a one-stroke penalty. This is called stroke-and-distance. A lateral drop is not possible here. White stakes are fixed boundary markers and may not be moved, not even if they interfere with your swing.

2. Yellow stakes: regular penalty area

Yellow stakes indicate a regular penalty area with usually a water hazard that crosses the fairway. Think of a pond directly in front of a green. What are the rules? You have two options, both with a one-stroke penalty:

• Play the ball as it lies (if feasible).
• Drop a ball on a line straight back from the hole through the point where the ball entered the penalty area, going back as far as you want. Or play again from the spot of the previous stroke (stroke-and-distance). A lateral drop is not permitted with yellow stakes.

3. Red stakes: lateral penalty area

Red stakes mark a lateral penalty area with usually a water hazard or rough area that runs alongside the line of play. According to a March 2025 article on Golf.nl, the difference with yellow stakes is precisely that one extra drop option. What are the rules? You have three options, each with a one-stroke penalty:

• Play the ball as it lies.
• Take back-on-the-line relief, going back as far as you want.
• Lateral drop: drop within two club-lengths of the point where the ball last crossed the edge of the penalty area, no closer to the hole. This extra flexibility makes red stakes more golfer-friendly for awkwardly placed obstacles.

4. Blue stakes: ground under repair (GUR)

Blue stakes indicate that a part of the course is temporarily out of play for maintenance or recovery, ground under repair (GUR). Think of damaged fairway sections or seeded parts of the rough. What are the rules? You get free relief here, without penalty. Determine the nearest point of complete relief outside the area and drop within one club-length, no closer to the hole. Playing from a GUR zone is also allowed, unless it is a no play zone (see point 5).

5. Stakes with a green top: no play zone

A green top on a red or blue stake means that the area is a no play zone. According to Golf.nl (May 2024), this often involves ecological zones or vulnerable flora and fauna that require protection. What are the rules? Playing from this area is strictly prohibited. Entering is also not allowed. You must always take relief:

• Red stake with a green top: take relief with a one-stroke penalty.
• Blue stake with a green top: take free relief (no penalty stroke).

Stakes and lines: which takes precedence?

Sometimes colored lines are painted on the ground next to stakes. The line indicates the exact boundary. If a line is present, it takes precedence over the position of the stakes. A ball is in a penalty area as soon as it touches or crosses the line.

From theory to practice

These rules form a fixed part of the exam for the Golfvaardigheidsbewijs (GVB / Golf Proficiency Certificate). Anyone who earns their GVB knows the basic rules for stakes and penalty strokes before stepping onto their first official course. Not familiar with the GVB yet? Through Zalm Golf, you can get your GVB in one day with guidance from an experienced golf professional, including explanations of course rules like these. After getting your GVB, you can arrange your NGF registration for just €66 per year and enjoy a 15% discount at 27 partner courses.