A question was raised last week with regards to lateral relief possible on red stakes.
In summary...
Your relief options for Red Stakes (each for one penalty stroke)
All relief is based on the point where your ball last crossed the edge of the red penalty area.
- Stroke‑and‑distance — Replay from your previous spot. This is always available.
- Back‑on‑the‑line relief — Keep the crossing point between you and the hole and drop anywhere back on that line. Unlimited distance back.
- Lateral relief — Only for red penalty areas. Drop within two club‑lengths of the crossing point, no nearer the hole. This is the key advantage of red stakes.
If the ball is not found but it is known or virtually certain it entered the red penalty area, you may still use these options.