THE FLAGSTICK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Flagstick. (Rule 13.2) The Flagstick will be a noticeable change right away. You may now choose to remove or leave the flagstick in the hole when playing from the putting green, have it removed or have someone else attend the flagstick. When doing this, the decision must be made before you play your stroke. For example, you may not leave the flagstick in the hole, make a stroke, and then ask your caddie to run over and take the flagstick out of the hole to keep the ball from striking the flagstick. This also applies to when another player has decided to leave the flagstick in on their putt. You may not remove it when they have made their decision. Click HERE to see a video explanation.

 

Putting with the Flagstick Left in the Hole. (Rule 13.2a) Whether you want to use it as an advantage for a mid-range putt or just want to tap in that one-footer after a good lag putt, you can always leave that flagstick in the hole. You are always of course welcome to have the flagstick removed if you prefer. You can play 18 holes and never remove the flagstick once, if you were so inclined. Click HERE to see the video explanation.

 

Ball Hits Flagstick or Attendant. (Rule 13.2b(2)) If a ball hits the flagstick or attendant while being tended, there will be no penalty if the deflection was purely accidental (i.e. not paying attention or didn't see the ball coming towards the hole in time). Click HERE to see a video explanation.

 

When Ball is Holed when the Flagstick Remains in the Hole. When using this new Rule, there will certainly be instances when the ball comes to rest leaning against the flagstick in the hole, but not at the bottom of the hole. When this happens, the ball is considered holed when ANY part of the ball is in the hole AND below the surface of the putting green. This is true even if the entire ball is not below the surface of the putting green. Click HERE to see a video explanation.

 

Lifting a Removed Flagstick on the Ground. (Rule 11.3 - Exception) If a flagstick has been removed and laid on the ground, you may move the flagstick without restriction (or have it removed by someone else) if a ball may hit the removed flagstick while it is still in motion.