Summary: Discover Red Stakes Golf's high-performance simulators, offering real-feel accuracy and zero-latency gameplay for an immersive golf experience at home.
Getting to the course or the range isn't always easy. That's why we created Red Stakes Golf. We build high-performance, portable golf simulators that deliver real-feel accuracy and zero-latency gameplay. Forget unrealistic feedback. Our simulators, engineered to professional standards right here in Michigan, offer a truly convenient way to practice, compete, and improve your game from anywhere. It’s about giving you the tools to sharpen your skills on your terms, whenever you have the time.
What Do Red Stakes Mean in Golf?
If you’ve spent any time on a golf course, you’ve seen them: colorful stakes dotting the landscape along fairways and greens. These markers aren’t just for decoration; they’re a crucial part of the game, defining boundaries and outlining the rules for specific situations. Understanding what each color means can save you strokes and a lot of confusion. Among the most common and important markers you'll encounter are the red stakes. They signal a specific type of challenge and, more importantly, give you a set of options for how to proceed when your ball finds its way into one of these designated zones.
The Official Definition: Red Penalty Areas
Officially, red stakes or red lines on the ground are used to mark a "red penalty area." Think of these as tricky spots where you might not want your ball to land. While they often contain water, like a pond or stream that runs alongside a hole, they can also be used to mark other challenging parts of the course, such as areas with dense bushes, desert terrain, or environmentally sensitive zones. The key purpose of a red penalty area is to give you specific relief options, always with a one-stroke penalty, so you can get back into play without having to attempt a heroic—and potentially disastrous—shot from an impossible lie.
The 2019 Rule Change
You might hear some golfers refer to these areas as "lateral water hazards," and they wouldn't be wrong, historically speaking. However, a significant update to the Rules of Golf in 2019 streamlined the terminology. What were once called "hazards" are now known as "penalty areas." This change was made to simplify the rules and make them more consistent. So, while the name has changed, the function of the red stakes remains the same: they mark an area where you have several choices for taking relief after adding a penalty stroke to your score.
Your Options for a Ball in a Red Penalty Area
Finding your ball in a red penalty area can be frustrating, but the rules are designed to give you a fair path forward. Unlike some other situations on the course, red stakes provide a good amount of flexibility. Your decision will usually come down to weighing the risk of playing a difficult shot against the certainty of a one-stroke penalty. You essentially have two main paths you can take: you can either try to play the ball as it is, or you can take a penalty stroke and find a better spot to hit from.
Play the Ball as It Lies
Your first option is always the simplest: play the ball from where it ended up inside the penalty area. If you choose this route, there is no penalty stroke. This can be a great choice if your ball is sitting up nicely on a patch of grass or in a spot where you feel confident you can make a clean swing. However, you can't move any loose impediments or ground your club in the area. It’s a classic risk-reward scenario. A successful shot can save you a stroke, but a poor one could leave you in an even worse position.
Take a One-Stroke Penalty with Relief
If playing the ball as it lies seems too risky, you can take a one-stroke penalty and get relief. With red stakes, you have several choices. First, you can always go back and play from where you hit your previous shot. Second, you can identify the point where your ball last crossed into the penalty area and drop a ball behind that point, keeping the spot between you and the hole. Your third, and most common option for red stakes, is to take lateral relief. You can drop a ball within two club-lengths of where it entered the hazard, no nearer to the hole.
How Red Stakes Compare to Other Colors on the Course
The color-coded system of stakes in golf is like a language. Once you learn it, navigating the course and its rules becomes much easier. Red stakes are just one part of this system, and their meaning is best understood when compared to the other colors you’ll see, primarily yellow and white. Each color signifies a different type of area and comes with its own unique set of rules and penalties. Knowing the difference won't just make you a more knowledgeable player; it will directly impact your strategy and your score, helping you make smarter decisions when you find yourself in a tough spot.
Red Stakes vs. Yellow Stakes
Both red and yellow stakes mark penalty areas, but there's a critical difference in the relief options they offer. A yellow penalty area (formerly a "water hazard") is typically a body of water that crosses the fairway, forcing you to hit over it. If your ball lands in a yellow penalty area, your relief options are limited to playing from the previous spot or dropping behind the hazard. Red penalty areas, however, offer an additional choice: lateral relief. This means you can drop within two club-lengths of the entry point, which is incredibly helpful when the hazard runs alongside the hole and dropping behind it isn't practical.
Red Stakes vs. White Stakes
This is a comparison you don’t want to get wrong on the course. While red stakes mark a penalty area with multiple relief options, white stakes mark out of bounds (OB). If your ball comes to rest beyond the white stakes, it is out of play. There is no option to drop near where it went out. Your only choice is to take a stroke-and-distance penalty, which means you add one stroke to your score and return to the spot of your previous shot to hit again. The penalty for going out of bounds is significantly harsher than landing in a red penalty area.
Other Common Stake Colors
While red, yellow, and white are the most common stakes you'll encounter, you might occasionally see others. Blue or green stakes often mark an area as "ground under repair," which is typically a temporary condition on the course, like a newly seeded patch of grass or an area damaged by equipment. From these areas, you are usually entitled to free relief. By familiarizing yourself with these primary colors, you can confidently handle most situations the course throws at you, turning a potentially confusing moment into a clear, strategic choice that keeps your round on track.
From the Course to Your Home: Why We're Red Stakes Golf
On the golf course, red stakes represent options. They give you a path forward, a way to recover from a tough shot and continue your game with confidence. That idea of providing options and empowering golfers is at the very heart of what we do. We believe that every golfer deserves the opportunity to play and improve their game on their own terms, whether they're on the 14th hole or in their own living room. That’s why we create accessible, high-performance indoor golf simulators that give you the freedom to practice any shot, master any course, and prepare for any challenge—including those tricky penalty areas.
Our Story: From OptiShot to Red Stakes Golf
Our journey began as OptiShot, where we became known for the incredibly popular OptiShot2 simulator that brought the joy of golf into thousands of homes. Building on that legacy, we became Red Stakes Golf, The American Golf Simulator Company. Our mission is to continue making indoor golf accessible for everyone. We offer a complete range of systems, from our portable RSG Mobile launch monitor to our comprehensive simulator bundles that turn any room into a golfer's paradise. With our technology, you can analyze your swing, play world-famous courses, and build the confidence you need to face any stake—red, yellow, or white—out on the real course.
Why Choose Red Stakes Golf?
Red Stakes Golf simulators stand out in the market due to their unmatched performance and versatility. Whether you are practicing your swing in the garage, competing with friends in the backyard, or improving your game in the basement, these simulators provide an immersive experience that feels just like playing on an actual golf course.
Swing with True-to-Life Accuracy
One of the key features of Red Stakes Golf simulators is their real-feel accuracy. This technology ensures that every swing, putt, and drive is as close to reality as possible. The precision engineering allows golfers to experience the game with the same nuances they would on an actual course, making practice sessions more effective and enjoyable.
Play in Real-Time, Every Time
Latency can be a significant issue in many simulators, disrupting the flow and feel of the game. However, Red Stakes Golf has addressed this challenge with their zero-latency technology. This feature ensures seamless gameplay, allowing golfers to focus on their performance without any interruptions.
Golf on Your Schedule
With the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding time for a round of golf can be challenging. Red Stakes Golf simulators provide the perfect solution by offering everyday convenience. Their portable design and intuitive setup mean that you can enjoy a full golfing experience anytime, anywhere.
A Simulator Designed to Last
Constructed with rugged durability in mind, Red Stakes Golf simulators are designed to withstand regular use. Whether you’re setting it up in a permanent location or frequently moving it around, you can trust in the durability of these simulators. Backed by a 365-Day Guarantee, Red Stakes Golf ensures that their products are built to last.
Affordable Golf Without the Green Fees
Red Stakes Golf is committed to making golf accessible and affordable for players of all skill levels. By offering immersive simulator experiences at competitive prices, they are opening up new possibilities for golfers who may not have easy access to a course. This democratization of golf technology is a game-changer for enthusiasts and beginners alike.
From Box to Backswing, Fast
Setting up a golf simulator might seem intimidating, but Red Stakes Golf has simplified the process with their intuitive setup. With clear instructions and user-friendly components, getting started is a breeze. This means you can spend more time enjoying the game and less time dealing with technical difficulties.
How Red Stakes Golf Improves Your Swing
Whether you are a seasoned golfer looking to refine your skills or a beginner eager to learn, Red Stakes Golf simulators offer a platform to enhance your game. By practicing regularly and receiving immediate feedback, you can make significant improvements in a shorter amount of time.
In conclusion, Red Stakes Golf is redefining at-home golf with their innovative simulators. With real-feel accuracy, zero-latency gameplay, and everyday convenience, golfers can enjoy a high-quality experience from the comfort of their own space. Explore the possibilities and take your game to the next level with Red Stakes Golf.
Find the Right Simulator for Your Game
Choosing the right golf simulator comes down to your space, your goals, and your budget. Red Stakes Golf offers a range of options designed to meet you where you are in your golf journey. Whether you need something you can pack up and take with you or you're building a dedicated golf room, there’s a system that fits your needs. Each model is built with the same commitment to quality and performance, so you can focus on what matters most: improving your game and having fun. Let’s look at the different simulators to help you find your perfect match.
RSG Mobil
For the golfer who is always on the move, the RSG Mobile offers incredible flexibility. This system cleverly uses your iPhone to track your shots, turning almost any space into a driving range. All you need to do is download the app, set up your phone, and start swinging. It’s the perfect solution for getting in some practice during a lunch break, on a trip, or in a room where a permanent setup isn't possible. The RSG Mobile makes it easy to keep your swing sharp without being tied down by bulky equipment, giving you the freedom to play your way.
RSG Eins
If you're looking for a dedicated home setup that delivers solid performance, the RSG One is an excellent choice. This freestanding launch monitor uses a single camera to provide good accuracy on all your shots. It strikes a great balance between convenience and performance, making it a popular option for home practice spaces like garages or basements. The RSG One is designed for golfers who want reliable data and a realistic simulation experience without the complexity of a professional-grade installation. It’s a straightforward, effective tool for consistent practice.
RSG Pro
For the serious golfer who demands the highest level of precision, the RSG Pro is the ultimate solution. This overhead launch monitor features two cameras, delivering the kind of accuracy that professional players rely on. By capturing your swing data from above, the RSG Pro provides exceptionally detailed feedback on every aspect of your shot. This system is ideal for players who are fine-tuning their mechanics or want the most immersive and true-to-life indoor golf experience possible. It’s the closest you can get to being on the course while still at home.
Join the Competition with the RSG Club
Practicing your swing is essential, but golf is also about competition and community. The RSG Club brings that exciting element directly to your simulator. As a member, you can join online tournaments and test your skills against other players from around the world. You can track your progress on leaderboards, see how you stack up, and even participate in wager matches for some friendly competition. The RSG Club transforms solo practice sessions into engaging events, keeping you motivated and connected to a community of fellow golf enthusiasts who share your passion for the game.
Our No-Risk, 100% Money-Back Guarantee
We are confident that you'll love how a Red Stakes Golf simulator improves your game, and we want you to feel just as confident in your purchase. That’s why every one of our golf simulators comes with a 365-day, 100% money-back guarantee. You get a full year to put your simulator to the test in your own home. If for any reason you decide it’s not the right fit for you, we’ll give you a full refund with no questions asked. This no-risk promise means you can invest in your game with complete peace of mind.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
What's the simplest way to remember the difference between red and yellow stakes? Think of it this way: red penalty areas typically run alongside the hole, while yellow ones often cross in front of it. This is why red stakes give you the extra option of lateral relief—dropping your ball to the side. With a yellow-staked area, you don't get that side drop, so your choices are more limited. The red stake simply gives you more flexibility to get back in play.
I'm trying to decide between your simulators. Which one is best for a beginner? That really depends on your space and how you plan to practice. If you want a dedicated setup in a garage or basement, the RSG One is a fantastic starting point. It provides great accuracy and a realistic experience without being overly complex. However, if you're short on space or just want to test the waters, the RSG Mobile is perfect. It uses your phone to track your swing, so you can set it up almost anywhere.
How much space do I actually need to use a Red Stakes Golf simulator? The most important thing is that you have enough room to swing your longest club comfortably and safely without hitting walls or the ceiling. For our RSG One and RSG Pro systems, a room with at least a 9-foot ceiling is a good benchmark. The RSG Mobile is much more flexible since it doesn't require a permanent screen or enclosure, so you can use it in any space where you have room for a full swing.
Why did you change the name from OptiShot to Red Stakes Golf? We built a great reputation as OptiShot, but as we grew, we wanted a name that truly captured our mission. On the course, red stakes give you options and a clear path forward after a tough shot. That’s exactly what we want to provide for golfers at home. The name Red Stakes Golf represents our commitment to giving every player accessible tools and the flexibility to improve their game on their own terms.
What happens if I buy a simulator and find it's not the right fit for my space or my game? We want you to be completely confident in your purchase, which is why we offer a 365-day, 100% money-back guarantee. You have a full year to use the simulator in your own home and see how it works for you. If you decide it’s not the right solution for any reason, you can return it for a full refund. There’s absolutely no risk in giving it a try.
Wichtigste Erkenntnisse
- Understand the Stakes to Save Strokes: Red stakes offer flexible relief options, including lateral drops, which can save you strokes. Knowing the difference between red, yellow (no lateral relief), and white (out of bounds) stakes is key to making smarter on-course decisions.
- Turn On-Course Challenges into At-Home Practice: Our simulators let you turn on-course challenges into effective at-home practice. We provide the tools to master any shot with real-feel accuracy, building the confidence you need to face any situation on the course.
- Find the Right Simulator for Your Game: Red Stakes Golf offers a full lineup to match your goals and space, from the portable RSG Mobile to the high-precision RSG Pro. Each system is easy to set up and backed by a 365-day, risk-free guarantee.
