That splash was expensive. The good news? Knowing whether those stakes are red or yellow can save the foursome fifteen minutes of arguing.
What do both colors allow?
For one penalty stroke, you can usually use stroke-and-distance relief or back-on-the-line relief under Rule 17.1d. The reference point and relief procedures matter, so identify where the ball last crossed the edge of the penalty area.
What is different about red?
A red penalty area also permits lateral relief: for one penalty stroke, drop within two club-lengths of the reference point where the ball last crossed the edge, not nearer the hole, following the rule's relief-area limits.
Can you play it as it lies?
Yes, if the ball is playable and you have not taken relief. You can generally ground your club in a penalty area, but you cannot improve conditions affecting the stroke in a way prohibited by Rule 8.1.
Fore Alarm takeaway: Learn the rules, embrace the chaos, and enjoy the round. Golf is serious. We're not.
Official rule reference: Rules of Golf.
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