Yellow stakes question...

[peld]

Im sure I know the answer already but....

We have a par 3 where a stream runs across the front of the green, marked by yellow stakes.

If i hit a tee shot that just clears the stream, but then spins/falls back in to the stream, can I take a drop from the "green side" of the stream as that was its line of entry? Or would it have to be back on the tee side of the stream so its no nearer the hole?

 

[Swango1980]

On the tee side

 

[*TQ*]

Take a line between where the ball last crossed the hazard (in this case the point will be on green side of the penalty area) and the hole and drop anywhere on that line. This will almost definitely mean still having to hit over the penalty area.

 

[duncan mackie]

Just to expand slightly, as this was previously discussed at length before the R&A issued a guidance note (changed things!).

Your estimated point will be the point on the actual penalty area edge that was last crossed ie green side, and your relief point will lie on a line from the flag through the estimated point and beyond.

The reference point cannot be in the penalty area - which is why you are nearly always going to be back on the far side of the penalty area in the absence of some severe contours and angles!

Only after you have established your reference point do you get any latitude from the exact line (1cl either way) in establishing your relief area.