Stupid Golf Question
What is a lateral hazard?
Someone calls the red-staked area a lateral hazard and you cannot find that term on the current rules sign
Plain answer first
The plain answer
Lateral water hazard was the former official rules term, while lateral hazard became common shorthand. Under the current rules, that area is typically called a red penalty area, which has the standard penalty-area relief choices plus a lateral option within two club lengths of where the ball last crossed the boundary, no nearer the hole.
The NPG answer
The official name changed, but the clubhouse shorthand kept its membership.
When it matters
It matters when a red-marked area runs beside a hole and going back on the line is impractical; unlike a free drop, penalty-area relief normally adds one stroke.
What to do next
Treat "lateral hazard" as a cue to look for red markings, identify the last crossing point, and confirm the legal relief area.
Do this next
What is a penalty area?
A penalty area is a marked area where you can take relief for one penalty stroke.
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