red stakes

[JC Clare]

If a red stake is laying on the ground, what is the proper procedure to determine if your ball is in the hazard.

[DaveP043]

3 hours ago, JC Clare said:

If a red stake is laying on the ground, what is the proper procedure to determine if your ball is in the hazard.

When you read the Definition of Penalty Area in the Rules (you DID look up the rule, right?) you find that the edge of a Penalty Area can be defined by "its natural boundaries (that is, where the ground slopes down to form the depression that can hold the water)."   Interpretation 17.1a/1 seems to support the use of the natural boundaries.  Or if you can find the hole where the stake was originally driven, you could use that.  The other possible option is to use the nearest adjacent stakes.  A stake laying on the ground is a moveable obstruction, but doesn't define anything.

Edit: I know, that first bit sounds kind of sarcastic.  But if you're interested in learning and playing by the rules, you really SHOULD learn to read the Rules for yourself.  You can get the Rules on an app for your mobile phone for handy reference on the course, or over a drink after you're done.  

Edited July 28, 2021 by DaveP043

[JC Clare]

Thank you.

I have ordered a rules book,

What app would you recommend?

Thanks again, JC

[RickyBobby_PR]

3 hours ago, JC Clare said:

Thank you.

I have ordered a rules book,

What app would you recommend?

Thanks again, JC

The Usga has an app for the rules of golf

[DaveP043]

3 hours ago, JC Clare said:

What app would you recommend?

This link should get you to the right spot, for either iOS or Android:

https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/rules-hub/rules-of-golf-apps.html

or this one if you prefer the R&A, but they should be identical:

https://www.randa.org/Apps

Edited July 30, 2021 by DaveP043

[Vegan_Golfer_PNW]

@DaveP043 for the links!