Hazard

What does hazard mean in golf?

Under the current Rules of Golf, the term 'hazard' has been largely replaced by 'bunker' and 'penalty area.' Penalty areas (marked by red or yellow stakes) include bodies of water and other areas where a ball is likely lost. When a ball enters a penalty area, the player has several relief options, each with specific rules about where to drop. Bunkers have their own set of restrictions — players cannot ground their club or remove loose impediments before playing from sand.