Golf Course Stakes Buying Guide & Cleaning Tips

Golf course stakes play a crucial role in guiding golfers and maintaining the course’s integrity. These markers not only denote hazards but also indicate boundaries and special areas that require attention. Understanding the different types of stakes and their significance can enhance customers’ golfing experience and ensure compliance with course rules. This guide explains why stakes are essential and covers:

• Most common types of stakes
• Colors and sizes of stakes
• Cleaning tips
• What the colors represent

Why Are There Stakes on a Golf Course?

Stakes on a golf course are vital for several reasons:

1. Hazard Identification: Stakes help golfers identify hazards on the course. Knowing where hazards are can prevent penalties and guide strategic play.
2. Guidance on Rules: Stakes indicate how to proceed when your ball lands in a hazard or out-of-bounds area. This ensures fair play and adherence to the rules of golf.
3. Course Management: Stakes aid in maintaining the course by marking areas that require protection or special treatment, such as environmentally sensitive zones.

Most Common Stakes Used on a Golf Course

Recycled plastic golf course stakes are the most common due to their durability and bright color options. JFM Golf course stakes are made from the highest quality recycled plastic and are available in multiple color combinations and styles.

Benefits of Recycled Plastic Stakes

Our stakes are robust – they are made in the U.S.A., they will not rust or need repainting, are maintenance-free, environmentally friendly, and align well with sustainable practices.

Colors and Lengths of Golf Course Stakes

Golf course stakes come in a variety of colors, lengths, styles and tops to cater to different needs and preferences:

• Colors: Brown, black, green, Brazilian Walnut, Coastal Gray, Mahogany, red, purple, white, yellow, and blue. They can also be two-toned for better visibility and differentiation.
• Lengths: The most popular sizes are 8”, 12”, 18”, 24”, 32”, and 36”.
• Styles: Stakes can be designed with a hole, a speed slot, a hook, or plain (no place for rope)

• Tops: The tops can be flat cut, slightly rounded, beveled, or decorated with flute and bevel.

Cleaning Golf Course Stakes

Cleaning recycled plastic golf course stakes is straightforward:

• Soap and Water: Use a mild soap and water solution to clean dirt and debris from the stakes.
• Vinegar/Water Mixture: A light vinegar and water mixture can be used for tougher stains or to disinfect the stakes. Always check with the Pro Shop if you have questions on how to decipher the stakes or need additional cleaning advice.

What Do the Colors Represent?

If you are a course manager, knowing how to care for and interpret these stakes is crucial for optimal performance and course maintenance.

Yellow Stakes

• Yellow golf course stakes indicate a regular water hazard—a penalty of one stroke.
  • Play again from the previous spot.
  • Drop the ball behind the hazard.
  • Play it where it lies if still playable.

Red Stakes

• Red stakes indicate a lateral water hazard—a penalty of one stroke.
  • Play again from the previous spot.
  • Drop the ball behind the hazard.
  • Drop the ball two club lengths behind where the ball entered the water, not closer to the hole.
  • Drop the ball two club lengths on the opposite side, not closer to the hole.

White Stakes

• White stakes mark out-of-bounds areas.
  • Take a penalty stroke and hit from the last shot.
  • You cannot hit from where the ball lies.

Blue Stakes

• Blue golf course stakes indicate ground under repair.
  • Find the nearest spot outside the repair area and drop the ball one club length away, but nearer to the hole.
  • Some courses use blue stakes for waste bunkers, which are not considered hazards.

Green Stakes 

• They mark environmentally sensitive areas.

White Stakes with Green Tops 

• They indicate environmentally sensitive areas.

Blue Stakes with Green Tops 

• They indicate environmentally sensitive areas treated as ground under repair with mandatory relief.

Red Stakes with Green Tops

• They indicate environmentally sensitive areas treated as lateral water hazards with mandatory relief.

Purple Stakes

• They indicate the use of reclaimed water on the course.

Double Yellow/Red Stakes 

• They mark the dividing point between a dual hazard (one side is a regular water hazard, and the other is a lateral water hazard).

Brown, Black, Tan, Wood Stakes 

• They indicate pathways and areas where carts should stay away.

Golf Course Accessories and Supplies

With JFM Golf’s high-quality recycled plastic stakes, you can ensure durability and sustainability on your course. However, when maintaining a well-organized and efficient golf course, it’s essential to have stakes in stock to add or replace any that become damaged or worn out.

Additionally, securing areas with a rope or chain helps direct golf cart traffic and protect sensitive parts of the course. Properly placed stakes, supported by ropes and chains, ensure that golfers follow the intended pathways, reducing wear and tear on the turf and enhancing the overall playing experience.

For the best selection of durable, high-quality recycled plastic golf course stakes, look no further than JFM Golf. Enhance your course with our wide variety of colors, styles, and lengths to meet all your needs. Shop online at JFM Golf or give us a call at 909-902-1012 for personalized assistance and to place your order today.