If a player’s ball enters an environmentally protected area (marked by yellow stakes with a green cap), the player may either:
Take a drop, keeping the point of entry between the drop location and the hole, and incur a 1-stroke penalty, OR
Take relief on the side of the hazard closest to the hole and incur a 2-stroke penalty. The point of relief must be within 1 club length of the environmentally protected area.
Out of Bounds
If a player’s ball comes to rest in an out-of-bounds location, the player may proceed by:
Taking stroke-and-distance relief (Rule 14.6), OR
Implementing a local rule that allows the player to determine the point of entry, find the nearest area on the fairway (no closer to the hole), and drop within 2 club lengths of that location for a 2-stroke penalty.
Common Applications
Greenside Fans (Rule 16.1)
Greenside fans on the golf course are considered immovable obstructions. If a fan interferes with your stance or swing, you may take relief (1 club length from the nearest point of complete relief, no closer to the hole).
Mulched Flower Beds & Gardens
If your ball comes to rest in a mulched flower bed or garden, you have entered what is considered a no-play zone. Proceed by taking relief under Rule 16.1 (1 club length from the nearest point of complete relief, no closer to the hole).
