A hazard on a golf course is an obstacle that hampers the shot of a golfer. When the ball lands in a hazard, certain restrictions and penalties may be enforced. Amateur golfers tend to find these shots harder due to these additional restrictions. So it is advisable to avoid these hazards as much as possible. There are three types of golf hazards.
Bunkers.
A bunker is an area where turf has been replaced with sand. If a ball is in a bunker, the golfer must play the ball where it lies if he does not want to incur a penalty stroke. In addition, the club may not be grounded, and the player cannot use his hands to feel the surface condition of the bunker.
There are three types of bunkers. Fairway bunkers are usually located by the sides of the fairway. On more difficult courses, these bunkers may even be in the middle. They are meant to collect shots that have failed to travel in the desired direction.
Greenside bunkers are located near and around the green. Likewise, they are meant to collect shots that fail to find its mark on the green.
Finally, there are waste bunkers. These are usually located near other natural hazards like a lake or river. They are also larger, and run along the fairway.
Water hazards.
A water hazard is a body of water on the course. This can be a river, lake, creek, ditch, or anything similar. If a ball is in a water hazard, the only way to avoid a penalty stroke is to play the ball where it lies. If this is not possible, a player has 2 choices. He can either play the ball from its original position, or drop the ball at any point along the ball's flight path towards the hazard. Either one of these choices will mean the player has to incur a penalty stroke. A regular water hazard is marked with yellow stakes at the beginning and end of the hazard.
Lateral water hazards.
Red stakes at the beginning and end of a water hazard signify that it's a lateral water hazard. These hazards are usually located beside the hole that is being played. Because of these locations, it is not practical for the player to drop the ball behind the hazards. If a ball is in a lateral hazard, the player has options similar to that of a regular water hazard. In addition, a player may also choose to drop a ball within two club lengths of where the ball entered the hazard, but not closer to the hole. For this option, the player is under one penalty stroke.
As you can see, if a ball enters a hazard, it is not easy to get it out of the hazard even if you choose to play the ball where it lies. Sometimes, it may be better to choose other options, even if it means you will be playing under one penalty stroke.
