#Stakes May 8

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In May 2025, many of us have decided to participate in the 30-Day Golf Coach4aday Challenge. Each day the goal is to share something about a particular golf course, golf equipment, or to actually get on the course and play a few holes. Golf is the only sport where you can be furious, humbled, and ecstatic—all in the span of one hole, and still call it “relaxing.” It’s a game where you are cajoling and chasing a tiny ball into a gopher hole. For many it becomes a lifelong obsession and an excuse to buy outrageous pants and the latest driver.

Today my golf observation is on the different color STAKES you will find on a course.

This challenge will not be for everybody but there are plenty that enjoy the game despite not being anywhere close to playing at a high level. That includes me.

Golf 30-Day Challenge Guidelines

As with previous challenges, participants are encouraged to adapt the guidelines to fit their own circumstances. If you can, commit to getting out on the golf course—but if that’s not in the cards, share a story about a favorite course or a piece of gear you love (or love to hate).

1. Record something about your day on the course or talk about a golf course or piece of equipment.
2. Share with a challenge partner if you have one.
3. Join the conversation by posting on social media with the hashtag #Coach4adayChallenge

Day 8-Stakes

When you play a round of golf you need to understand the rules on where you ball may have come to rest. Portions of each golf course are marked with different colored stakes or lines. Each color means something unique and there are rules that apply to each.

Here is quick guide to the color to indicate different types of hazards or boundaries:

1. Red stakes – Mark lateral water hazards (like ponds or creeks running alongside a hole).
2. Yellow stakes – Mark regular water hazards (typically those that cross in front of the fairway).
3. White stakes – Indicate out-of-bounds areas.
4. Blue stakes – Sometimes used to mark ground under repair or protected areas, though this can vary by course.
5. Green stakes – Occasionally used to designate environmentally sensitive areas or no-play zones.