Скачать или смотреть What is a Water Hazard in Golf?

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A water hazard in golf is a body of water—such as a lake, pond, stream, river, or ocean—placed on or alongside a hole to penalize inaccurate shots and influence strategy. Water hazards are designed to force golfers to make risk-reward decisions, often guarding fairways, greens, or landing areas. Under modern rules, water hazards are classified as penalty areas, typically marked with red or yellow stakes or lines. Yellow penalty areas usually require the ball to be dropped behind the hazard on a line from the hole, while red penalty areas offer additional relief options, such as dropping within two club lengths of where the ball crossed the hazard.

If a ball enters a water hazard, the player normally takes a one-stroke penalty and plays from a relief area rather than attempting to hit from the water. Water hazards have been part of golf since the game’s early links days, where natural burns and coastal waters shaped course layouts. Today, they remain one of the most intimidating hazards, affecting club selection, shot shape, and mental focus—especially on approach shots and tee shots where accuracy is critical.