The first time you step onto a golf course, it can be confusing. Why are there different coloured markers on the tee? What is the difference between the fairway and the rough? What do the red and yellow stakes mean? Knowing the parts of a golf course helps you understand the game, follow the rules and play smarter. Here is a simple tour of a typical golf hole, from tee to green.
The five areas of the course in the rules
The Rules of Golf define five areas, each with slightly different rules:
| Area | What it is |
|---|---|
| The teeing area | Where you start the hole you are playing |
| The general area | Everything else that is not one of the other four: fairways, rough, trees and paths |
| Bunkers | Specially prepared areas of sand |
| Penalty areas | Usually water, such as lakes, streams and ditches, or other areas marked by the course |
| The putting green | The specially prepared area around the hole on the hole you are playing |
Read golf rules every golfer should know.
A tour of a golf hole
The teeing area (tee box)
Each hole begins at a teeing area, marked by two tee markers. Most courses have several sets of tees at different distances, often in different colours. You must tee your ball between the markers and up to two club-lengths behind them. Read which tees should I play?.
The fairway
The fairway is the strip of short grass leading from the tee towards the green. It is the ideal place for your ball, because the short grass gives you a clean lie. Fairways vary in width and often bend left or right (a dogleg).
The rough
The rough is the longer grass on either side of the fairway. It is harder to play from, because grass gets between the club and the ball. Some courses have a "first cut" of slightly longer grass next to the fairway, then deeper rough further away. Read golf trouble shots.
Bunkers
Bunkers (also called sand traps) are hollows filled with sand.
- Fairway bunkers sit beside or across the fairway.
- Greenside bunkers guard the green.
- Waste areas are large sandy areas, often in the general area rather than bunkers, so the bunker rules do not apply. Check the scorecard.
In a bunker, you may not touch the sand with your club before your stroke, except in limited circumstances. Read how to hit bunker shots.
Penalty areas
Penalty areas are usually bodies of water, such as lakes, ponds, streams and ditches, but courses can also mark areas such as desert or jungle as penalty areas.
- Yellow stakes or lines: yellow penalty areas.
- Red stakes or lines: red penalty areas, which give you an extra option of lateral relief.
You can play the ball as it lies in a penalty area, or take relief for one penalty stroke. Read penalty areas and out of bounds.
Out of bounds
The course boundary is marked by white stakes, lines, walls or fences. A ball beyond the boundary is out of bounds and costs a stroke-and-distance penalty.
The putting green
The green is the area of very short, smooth grass around the hole, where you putt. The hole is 4.25 inches (108 mm) in diameter, marked by a flagstick. On the green, you may mark, lift and clean your ball, and repair damage such as pitch marks. Read how to putt: the fundamentals.
The fringe (apron or collar)
The fringe is the band of slightly longer grass around the green. It is part of the general area, not the green, so you cannot mark and lift your ball there. You can often putt from the fringe. Read chip or putt? How to choose.
Other features of a golf course
- Doglegs: holes that bend to the left or right.
- Cart paths: paths for carts and trolleys; usually immovable obstructions, so you can take free relief.
- Ground under repair (GUR): areas marked, usually with blue stakes or white lines, where you can take free relief.
- Yardage markers: posts, plates or sprinkler heads showing distances to the green.
- Driving range and practice areas: for warming up. Read the pre-round warm-up routine.
- Practice putting green: next to the clubhouse or first tee.
- Halfway house: a refreshment stop at the turn, after nine holes.
- Clubhouse: changing rooms, the pro shop, bar and restaurant.
Holes and par
A full course has 18 holes, usually a mix of par 3s, par 4s and par 5s, with a total par of around 70 to 72. "Par" is the number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to take. Many courses also have nine-hole layouts. Read how golf scoring works and how to play par 3s, par 4s and par 5s.
| Hole | Typical length (men's tees) | Strokes to reach green |
|---|---|---|
| Par 3 | Up to about 250 yards | One |
| Par 4 | About 250 to 470 yards | Two |
| Par 5 | About 470 yards or more | Three |
Different types of courses
- Links courses: coastal, sandy, firm and windswept.
- Parkland courses: inland, tree-lined and green.
- Heathland, desert and mountain courses.
- Short courses: par-3 and executive courses. Read par-3 and short courses.
Read links vs parkland courses and what makes a great golf course.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the fairway and the rough?
The fairway is short grass between the tee and green; the rough is longer grass alongside it, which makes shots harder.
What do red, yellow and white stakes mean?
Red and yellow stakes mark penalty areas; white stakes mark out of bounds. Blue stakes often mark ground under repair.
Is the fringe part of the green?
No. The fringe is part of the general area, so you cannot mark and lift your ball there.
How big is the hole on a golf course?
The hole is 4.25 inches (108 mm) in diameter and at least 4 inches (101.6 mm) deep.
The bottom line
A golf hole runs from the teeing area along the fairway, flanked by rough, bunkers and penalty areas, to the putting green. Understanding each part, and how the rules treat it, will help you play with confidence and make better decisions. For the words you will hear along the way, read golf terms every golfer should know and golf for beginners: the complete guide.