Red Stake with Green Top (ESA)

RED STAKES W/ GREEN TOP - DO NOT PLAY FROM THIS AREA

 

They are ESA (Enviornmentally Sensitive Areas) and are treated like a red penalty area, with the exception that play from out of them is not allowed. 

 

ESA’s at Strawberry Farms are designated by red stakes, red paint on the grass, red paint on the cart paths, or signage stating “Environmentally Sensitive Areas.”  Where there are stakes or signs (as opposed to painted lines), the ESA boundary is at the interface between the Bermuda grass and the brush/dirt.

 

As with any red penalty area, you have three options under a stroke penalty:

 

1. Take stroke and distance, either re-teeing or hitting from a designated drop area

2. Take lateral relief of two club lengths no nearer the hole from the point of entry

3. Take back of the line relief, keeping the point of entry between you and the flagstick

 

Note, option 3 is rarely available at Strawberry Farms.

 

ESA can favor you:

If your ball is not in the ESA but your swing is impeded by any part of the ESA (branch, plant, long grass) then you get free relief at the nearest point no closer to the hole.  From this point, you must drop within a club length, again no closer to the hole.