If you hit the flag it's 2 stroke penalty in stroke play or loss of hole if you are in match play. If you are off of the green there is no penalty if you hit the flag unless you ask someone to tend it and then they don't pull it out.
What do the rules of golf say about taking the flagstick out?
What do the Rules of Golf say about taking the flagstick out? The answer is in Rule 17-1 – Flagstick Attended, Removed or Held Up. ‘Before making a stroke from anywhere on the course, the player may have the flagstick attended, removed or held up to indicate the position of the hole’.
What happens if the ball hits the flag on the Green?
If you putt from on the green or if the flag has been removed for your shot, you are penalized if the ball hits any part of the flagstick, including the flag. Under Rule 17, the flag is considered part of the flagstick.
Is it a penalty to hit the flagstick in the hole?
If a ball is off the green, there’s no penalty if the player and their ball hit the flagstick, just as long as no one is holding it. If the ball is on the green, avoid putting with the flagstick in the hole.
What happens if you remove the flag from a hole?
Keep in mind, if the flag is still in the cup and another player’s not tending it, and another golfer decides to putt anyway, avoid rushing over to remove the flag. If you remove the flag from a hole while the ball’s and motion, it will be a penalty for you if you’re not attending the flag to start with.
Is there a penalty for hitting the flag in golf?
The New Rule: According to the USGA, under Rule 13.2a(2), “There will no longer be a penalty if a ball played from the putting green hits a flagstick left in the hole.” Players will still have the option to remove the flagstick or to have someone tend the pin and remove it after the ball is struck.
What happens if a golf ball gets stuck in the flag?
If a player simply picks up their ball that is stuck between the flagstick and lip of the hole believing it to be holed, the player incurs a one-stroke penalty for lifting their ball without marking its position.
What happens if the ball hits the flag?
The ball is still considered in play if it hits the corner flag and stays in the field of play. The same rule also states that the ball is still considered to be in play even after it rebounds off the corner flagpost. However, the ball still needs to remain in play even after rebounding off the corner flag.
Can you take the flag out in golf?
And now it's completely within the rules. As of the start of the 2019 calendar year, golfers of all levels can now putt with the flagstick left in the hole. Caddies can also take the flag out or have it attended - previously the only two options.
Does a golfer have to take his own ball out of the hole?
A golfer shouldn't pluck their ball out of the hole until the ball has come to a rest or is certain not to bounce out, otherwise that would be a one-stroke penalty. The player then has to replace the ball on the lip of the hole or against the flagstick and then putt the ball in the hole.
How many balls do pros carry?
How many balls can a pro golfer carry in his bag? Essentially, they can carry nine golf balls at a single time, but this isn't some crazy rule. In truth, they can carry around as many as they want, or as many as their caddies are willing to carry.
What is Rule 13 in golf?
1:212:12Rules Of Golf - Rule 13 - The Putting Green - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe can't make that decision while the ball is in motion 13.3 talks about ball overhanging. The hole.MoreWe can't make that decision while the ball is in motion 13.3 talks about ball overhanging. The hole. So it talks about the waiting time to see it the ball. Over the hanging the hole will fall you're
Why do golfers remove the flag?
The United States Golf Association and the U.K.'s Royal and Ancient Golf Club changed the rule mainly to speed up play. Since most golfers don't use caddies, the need for individual golfers to remove the flag when they reach the green can increase their time on it. The new rule addresses that issue.
Why do golfers remove gloves from putt?
Golfers take off their glove when they are putting because they want to have a better feel. The golf glove is used to help give players a better grip and more control when they are swinging a club at a fast speed.
What are caddies not allowed to do?
A caddie must not set an object down anywhere on or off the putting green to show the line of play. This is not allowed even if that object is removed before the stroke is made.
Can you switch balls in golf?
You can always use a new ball when starting a hole. You can also substitute a different ball any time you are taking relief, including both free and penalty relief. Unless the one-ball Local Rule is in effect, the substituted ball could be any brand.
Can you touch the green before putting?
There is no longer a penalty for merely touching the line of play on the putting green (the term “line of play” applies everywhere on the course including the putting green, and the term “line of putt” is no longer used).
Leaving it in
You all know you can make a stroke with the flagstick in the hole, whether your ball is on or off the green, and the ball in motion can hit the flagstick, there’s no penalty and you play it as it lies.
Taking it out
Some like it in, some like it out. This is what happens when you opt for the latter under Rule 13.2b. Again, you decide before you make the stroke and either have it taken out or you authorise someone to attend it.
The ball is resting against the flagstick
Well, is it holed or isn’t it? It depends, but Rule 13.2c is pretty clear on the matter. If your ball comes to rest against a flagstick that is left in the hole and “any part of the ball is in the hole below the surface of the putting green” then it is holed – even if the whole of the ball isn’t below that surface.
What do flags mean in golf?
Flags mark the way for a golfer's journey.
Why do golfers put flags on the green?
Whether standing on the tee area to hit a drive or hitting an approach shot from the fairway, golfers typically use the flag to help aim their shot to the green. By visualizing the most direct path to the hole, golfers can plan their shots to play the hole with the fewest number of strokes.
What is the rule for flagsticks in golf?
Rule 17 of the Rules of Golf governs flags and flagsticks. If a golfer hits the flag with a shot when the flagstick is in the cup, the next shot must be played from where the ball comes to a stop. If you putt from on the green or if the flag has been removed for your shot, you are penalized if the ball hits any part of the flagstick, ...
What does the color of the flag on the green mean?
At many courses, the color of the flag on the flagstick indicates the general location of the hole on the green. A blue or yellow flag typically indicates a pin position, or where the hole is located, at the back of the green; a white flag is used when the hole is in the middle of the green; a red flag signals a pin position at the front ...
How big is a flag stick?
The size of flags varies by course. The flagstick itself, however, is regulated by the USGA. The stick must be circular in cross-section and no more than 3/4 inch in circumference to allow enough room for the ball to drop into the cup. Also, it can't be padded or covered with absorbent material that can influence the reaction of a ball that hits it.
What is the safety feature in golf?
This safety feature typically is used in tournaments, when the course is crowded, and involves marshals who monitor play . The marshals use flag signals ...
Do flags have to be on flagsticks?
The USGA doesn't require flags to be attached to flagsticks -- some courses top the sticks with other adornments -- but the vast majority of courses maintain the tradition by using cloth or nylon flags. The size of flags varies by course. The flagstick itself, however, is regulated by the USGA.
What does the rules say about taking the flagstick out?
What do the Rules of Golf say about taking the flagstick out? The answer is in Rule 17-1 – Flagstick Attended, Removed or Held Up. ‘Before making a stroke from anywhere on the course, the player may have the flagstick attended, removed or held up to indicate the position of the hole’.
When a flagstick is not attended, removed or held up, it must be attended, removed or held up?
The only really important thing you need to be aware of is that: ‘If the flagstick is not attended, removed or held up before the player makes a stroke, it must not be attended, removed or held up during the stroke or while the player’s ball is in motion if doing so might influence the movement of the ball’.
What is a flagstick in golf?
‘The flagstick is a moveable straight indicator, with or without bunting or other material attached, centred in the hole to show its position. It must be circular in cross section.
What is the rule for a ball resting against a flagstick?
Rule 17-4 – Ball Resting Against Flagstick states that: ‘When a player’s ball rests against the flagstick in the hole and the ball is not holed, the player or another person authorised by him may move or remove the flagstick, and if the ball falls into the hole, the player is deemed to have holed out with his last stroke; otherwise, the ball, ...
What is the 17-2 rule?
You can read Rule 17-2 – Unauthorised Attendance and the penalties for breaching it here. I will however cover Rule 17-3 – Ball Striking Flagstick or Attendant as that is something that does happen quite frequently on the golf course.
When is the flagstick unattended?
The flagstick in the hole, unattended, when the stroke has been made on the putting green. Being the Rules of Golf, there is of course an exception: When the flagstick is attended, removed or held up without the player’s authority – see Rule 17-2.
What is the other thing that it is important to do when thinking of Rule 17 – 3?
The other thing that it is important to do when thinking of Rule 17 – 3 is to make sure that once out of the hole.
What is the flagstick rule in golf?
In the golf rules, situations involving the flagstick are covered in Rule 13-2, within the broader Rule 13 that addresses situations on the putting greens. Those situations include whether the flag must be removed, what happens when a golfer removes the flag without authorization, what to do if the ball hits the flagstick or lodges against it, and so on. So be sure to familiarize yourself with Rule 13-2 for any questions regarding the role of the flagstick in golf.
What does it mean to hold a flagstick in golf?
That means that one golfer stands next to the hole and holds the flagstick, then removes it before the other golfer's putted ball reaches the hole.
What is a flagstick?
A flagstick is exactly that: a stick with a flag on it*. You see them on putting greens to mark the location of the hole. Some golf courses color code the flags on flagsticks to denote if the hole location is near the front, center or back of the green.
How tall is a flagstick?
The rules do not require that the flagstick be any specific height, but the USGA recommends a flagstick height of at least seven feet.
Is it OK to putt with flagstick in?
1, 2019, that penalty was removed — it is now OK for golfers to putt to a hole with the flagstick in or out, at the golfer's preference. In the golf rules, situations involving the flagstick are covered in Rule 13-2, within the broader Rule 13 that addresses situations on the putting greens.
Can you put the flag high on the stick?
Another way of doing the same thing is to put the flag high, middle or low on the stick. (A course that does this should note the practice on its scorecard or pin sheet.) Prior to 2019, it was a penalty for the golf ball to enter the cup with the flagstick still in the hole for any stroke played from the surface of the putting green. ...
Is a flagstick circular?
In a separate section of the Rules of Golf (not included in the normal rulebook) called the Equipment Rules, the governing bodies also state that the flagstick must be circular in cross-section, cannot include any shock-absorbing material or other material that might influence the movement of the golf ball.
What happens if you hold a flagstick in a hole?
Note 1: If the flagstick is in the hole and anyone stands near it while a stroke is being made, he is deemed to be attending the flagstick. Note 2: If, prior to the stroke, the flagstick is attended, removed or held up by anyone with the player's knowledge and he makes no objection, the player is deemed to have authorized it.
What happens if you don't hold up a flagstick?
If the flagstick is not attended, removed or held up before the player makes a stroke, it must not be attended, removed or held up during the stroke or while the player's ball is in motion if doing so might influence the movement of the ball. Note 1: If the flagstick is in the hole and anyone stands near it while a stroke is being made, ...
What happens if you hold up a flagstick while a stroke is being made?
Note 3: If anyone attends or holds up the flagstick while a stroke is being made, he is deemed to be attending the flagstick until the ball comes to rest.
Should you leave the pin in when you are off the green?
So make sure that you are clear when you are off the green that you want someone to tend it and pull it as your ball nears. In most cases unless you really think you are going to make it or at least have a chance to, it's probably best to leave the pin in.
Can you get penalized for flagstick?
Unfortunately you would actually incur the penalty unless it was intentional. If it is intentional and they tried to influence your ball or force you to get penalized then they will be disqualified. Hopefully that helps clear up some of the common misconceptions when it comes to dealing with the flagstick.
What happens if a golfer hits your house?
If the golfer just had a bad hit and did not intentionally try to hit your house, then he/she is not responsible. The homeowner would have to contact the golf course.
What does it mean when a golf course says you are responsible for damages?
Sometimes the golf course will have signs that say, “You are responsible for damages done to houses on the course”. In reality, it’s kind of a “judgment call”. It’s not usually expensive enough to be an insurance claim so if you feel responsible, then you should pay. You could also say, “you shouldn’t have built your house so close to the course so I’m not paying”.
When you purchase a home on a golf course, do you assume responsibility?
Just as when you go to a sporting event the spectator assumes the responsibility of being struck by an errant shot.
What to do if you break a window in golf?
So go out and enjoy your round of golf with your friends and if you break a window, just go along your merry way and press the bet on the next hole. Because odds are you lost that one.
How much does a USGA green cost?
Depends on the level of detail you want to include. From my experience a usga spec green can cost upwards of 70K each. So that cost Alone is over a half million.
Who is responsible for not putting up barriers to stop errant shots?
But those driving or walking on a road or street that borders a golf coarse do not assume responsibility. If a motorist while driving by has their car damaged by a golf ball it's the golf course that is held responsible for not putting up sufficient barriers to stop errant shots, not the golfer.
Do golf clubs cover broken windows?
Yes, people who live on golf courses should know there is risk. No, most golf clubs do NOT have a policy on broken windows. If someone breaks your window, you may ask them to pay for it, but know that this is as much an ethical/moral thing as it is a matter of principle. They may look at you and tell you you shouldn’t have bought a house on a course, and that your insurance should cover it, and
What happens if you damage a golf club?
Ep 11 GRQ Podcast . . Answer: Regardless of how the player damaged the club (other than out of the player’s or their caddie’s control), the club is conforming for the rest of the round. The player may use it as it is, or they may have it repaired, but they are not permitted to replace it during the round. The player must not delay play in order to repair it, and must use the same grip, shaft and head. Play-off holes in stroke play are considered a new round, to which making a stroke with a non-conforming club would incur a penalty. Rule 4.1a (2) . If the Committee has adopted Local Rule G-9, the player could replace their club that was damaged during the normal course of play. @golfrules_questions
What is the rule for a golf club that is damaged?
Thanks for the question - Rule 4.1a (2) is the one you want to take note of in this instance. The damaged club is classed as conforming for the rest of your round. You may continue to play with the damaged club - if you can - or you can have the club repaired by restoring it as nearly as possible to its condition before the damage happened during your round. You must, however, use the original grip, shaft and clubhead, and you must not unreasonably delay play.
What is a play off hole in stroke play?
Play-off holes in stroke play are considered a new round, to which making a stroke with a non-conforming club would incur a penalty. . If the Committee has adopted Local Rule G-9, the player could replace their club that was damaged during the normal course of play.
What does it mean to apply a substance to a clubhead?
By applying any substance to the clubhead (other than in cleaning it) to affect how it performs in making a stroke.
Is there a penalty for not making a stroke with a non-conforming club?
There is no penalty under this Rule for merely having (but not making a stroke with) a non-conforming club or a club whose performance characteristics were deliberately changed during the round.
Is a damaged golf club conforming?
But no matter what the nature or cause of the damage, the damaged club is treated as conforming for the rest of the round ( but not during a play-off in stroke play, which is a new round).
Golf Range Finder Use and Pin Seeking Technology
Flag Etiquette
- The term tending the flag refers to someone standing next to the flagstick and removing it from the cup once a player has struck their putt. A golfer can choose to play to the hole with the flag out or in, based on their preference. In years past, if a golfer played a stroke from the green to the cup with the flag still in, they faced a penalty. Bu...
Requesting That The Flag Be Tended
- It’s perfectly fine for the flagstick to be tended to for any type of shot at any location on the course. A player can request tending of the flag when they’re attempting long putts. This is when a player may have difficulty seeing the hole from a long shot. Some players will also request flagstick tending when chipping off the green. The flag should be tended for another player if: 1. …
Tending The Flag
- If you’re the one that’s tending the flag, make sure that you approach it, remove it and stand it at arm’s length. Keep different players putting lines in mine, ensuring that you’re not standing in anyone’s putting line or walking across it. Keep quiet and still in order to avoid distracting another player. Make sure you lift the pin straight up and avoid pulling it toward you or bending it. This is …
Important Flag Rules
- It’s important to know that if the flag is in the hole, the person that stands near it is going to be deemed as the person that will tend the flag unless another player requests the job. This means that the person standing closest to the flag will be responsible for it until a ball comes to rest. 1. A golfer can request that the flagstick be removed whether it’s off or on the green. It can also be le…
Color-Coding and Difficulty Level
- In golf, the flags are a very important part of the game. The flag is used to identify where a hole is placed. The flags extend up to several feet above the ground which allows a player on the course to easily locate the hole’s position on the green from hundreds of yards away. The color of the flag sends a message, telling the player in the tee box or in the fairway the relative location of the fla…
Final Thoughts
- For new players, learning the ropes of the game can be very challenging. Hopefully, this article has helped to clear up some common misconceptions when it comes to tending the flag in golf properly. While some of these rules may seem unfair or even a little ridiculous, there’s a reason for everything when it comes to the golf rules and how the game is played. Whether you’re a low ha…