Important Flag Rules
- A golfer can request that the flagstick be removed whether it’s off or on the green. ...
- Offering to tend the flag is good etiquette, especially if the player is the last to play in a group on the green.
- When you’re returning the flag, make sure that you loosen the flag from the bottom of the cup before a stroke. ...
When do you tend the flag on a golf course?
Nov 07, 2021 · For newer players that did not really play golf before the rule change or for players that do not hold the tradition of pulling the pin in the highest regard, leaving the pin in may be the best option. Even if you simply want to win, leaving the flagstick in is no longer penalized. Take advantage of the rule change and save yourself a few strokes.
Should you pull the flag out when you putt?
Feb 07, 2022 · There are other occasions when you’re limited in moving or removing a flagstick. One of these is when you’ve hit a putt with the flagstick still in the hole and the ball is in motion. Here, Rule 13.2b (3) says you, or your caddie, can’t deliberately move or remove the flagstick to affect where that “ball in motion might come to rest”.
When to leave the flag in or take the flag out?
Stand still and quietly so as not to distract the player for whom you are tending the flagstick. After the golfer makes contact with the ball and the ball begins rolling toward the cup, lift the flagstick out of the cup. Be sure to lift the pin straight up—don't bend it or pull it toward you.
Does putting with the flag in improve lag putting?
Jun 04, 2015 · If your ball is on the green, you can have the flagstick attended, but it must be pulled before the ball reaches the hole. No one has to be holding it when you putt, but they do have to be in the general vicinity of the hole. If the ball hits a …
Why do golfers take the flag out?
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.May 19, 2021
Can the flag be left in while putting?
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.Dec 24, 2018
When can a caddie tend the flag?
"Tending the flag" means that someone — your caddie, another golfer — stands next to the flagstick in order to remove it from the cup after you've struck your putt. Note that (as of the 2019 Rules of Golf edition) a golfer may choose to play to the hole with the flag in or the flag out, at the player's preference.May 24, 2019
Should you pull the pin in golf?
VERDICT. Don't let the tradition of pulling the flag out while you putt get in the way of shooting lower scores. Leave the pin in. “It's one small step for golfers, one giant leap for golf.”Jan 16, 2019
Can you switch golf balls on the green?
You cannot switch out your golf ball on the putting green. Once a player has teed off on a hole, they must complete the hole before they are allowed to switch out their golf ball. You can mark and replace your ball when on then green, but you cannot switch it with another golf ball.
What is the penalty for a lost ball?
If a ball is lost or out of bounds, the player must take stroke-and-distance relief by adding one penalty stroke and playing the original ball or another ball from where the previous stroke was made (see Rule 14.6).
Why can you putt with flag in hole?
Changes brought in the by Royal and Ancient and the USGA, golf's two ruling bodies, amended the rules for 2019. The bodies decided on the alteration because they believe "allowing a player to putt with the flagstick in the hole without fear of penalty should generally help speed up play".
Is it a hole-in-one if you hit the pin?
After A Penalty Shot The only problem is that if you knock one in the water, re-tee then knock it into the hole, it can't be a hole-in-one because it's literally not a hole-in-one. It's a hole-in-three. Just another par, in the black and white on the scorecard.Jul 2, 2019
Can flags be removed in golf?
A golf club has allowed its members to remove the flag from the hole by placing hand sanitiser stations next to every green.Jul 29, 2020
Is it better to put with the flag in or out?
0:521:57FLAGSTICK IN OR OUT | Which is BETTER? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo my recommendation is very clear always keep the flagstick in the hole when you have the chance IMoreSo my recommendation is very clear always keep the flagstick in the hole when you have the chance I hope this information helps you gain and I wish you a lot of hole putts.
Is it better to have the flag in or out?
With the flagstick out, the misses were slightly closer (23.6 inches) than with the flagstick in (25.7 inches). With the flagstick in, 56 percent of the putts finished past or in the hole. With the flagstick out, 39 percent of the putts finished past or in the hole.Apr 16, 2019
Do you need to remove the flag when putting?
However, you should always ask first. It is also important to note that if the flag remains in the hole and a golfer makes their putt, don't rush over to tend the flag. Leave it where it is. They chose to putt with it in so it is not necessary to remove it.
What happens if you take the flag out of the hole?
If you take the flag out of the hole while a ball is in motion on the green, it's a penalty on you if you were not attending the flag to begin with. But again, a very important update to the Rules ...
Where to place flagstick in golf?
Place the flagstick in a location where it is least likely to get hit by a ball should someone get crazy with their stroke. When play of the hole is completed, retrieve the flagstick and replace it in the cup.
How to get flagstick out of cup?
After the golfer makes contact with the ball and the ball begins rolling toward the cup, lift the flagstick out of the cup. Be sure to lift the pin straight up—don't bend it or pull it toward you.
What does it mean to tend the flag?
So let's take a closer look. "Tending the flag" means that someone — your caddie, another golfer — stands next to the flagstick in order to remove it from the cup after you've struck your putt. ...
How to tend a flagstick?
How to Tend the Golf Flagstick 1 Approach the flagstick and take hold of it, standing at arm's length. Be aware of the different players' putting lines, making sure that you are not walking across or standing in anyone else's putting line. 2 Stand still and quietly so as not to distract the player for whom you are tending the flagstick. After the golfer makes contact with the ball and the ball begins rolling toward the cup, lift the flagstick out of the cup. 3 Be sure to lift the pin straight up—don't bend it or pull it toward you. We point this out because that flagstick can become stuck in the cup, and if you pull it out violently or without care it's possible you could pull out the cup liner, too. 4 As the ball approaches, walk away from the hole with the flagstick, again, being careful to avoid stepping in any golfers' putting lines. 5 Take the flagstick to the edge of the green and lay it down off the putting surface. Place the flagstick in a location where it is least likely to get hit by a ball should someone get crazy with their stroke. 6 When play of the hole is completed, retrieve the flagstick and replace it in the cup.
How to not distract the player from the flagstick?
Be aware of the different players' putting lines, making sure that you are not walking across or standing in anyone else's putting line. Stand still and quietly so as not to distract the player for whom you are tending the flagstick.
Can you remove a flagstick from a golf course?
If the answer is no, the flagstick can be removed and set aside (place it off the green, out of the line of play). As a courtesy, players should always tend the flag for one another if it's requested. Just make sure that it really is necessary if you are the one asking for the flag to be tended (which is to say, you can't see the hole without it, ...
Who tends the flag in golf?
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.
What is the purpose of a flag in golf?
The main purpose of the flag is to show golfers where the next hole is. Golf range finders often come equipped with a pin seeking feature that measures the distance from the range finder to the pin. This makes it easier to accurately gauge the distance, although experienced players can usually eyeball the flag and come up with a distance that’s ...
What is flag etiquette?
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, ...
Why are flags important in golf?
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.
When can you request flagstick tending?
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: A player requests it.
How to tend a flag?
When tending the flag, make sure that you’re not standing directly behind the cup. Instead, move to the side. When you take the flagstick out it’s important that you place it at a point where it’s not going to interfere with the line of a shot. Not doing this can result in penalties.
What is the flag color used for?
When dealing with color-coded flags, the flag color can be used to mark the flag’s location relative to the center of the green. There will be a color for the back, one for the center, and at the front. Some courses will also mark the flag based on skill level for the player.
nofeargolf
If you are off the green, you have an option of pulling the flagstick, having it attended, or leaving it in. If you opt to have someone tend it, they only have to pull it before the ball arrives. If it hits the stick while still in the hole, no penalty.
Pepperturbo
OK, I've done some searches here on GolfWrx and looked through the rules, but couldn't find the actual rule... plus different people have given me different answers.
KevCarter
Please disregard opinions and peek at rule 17 which answers ALL your questions.
hoganfan924
i was watching a classic golf, on golf channel and they would putt out with the flag in, is that a penalty?
KevCarter
I'm disappointed to see that Kevin thinks he was rude when I viewed his comment as accurate, helpful and quite civil.
Hawkeye77
I'm disappointed to see that Kevin thinks he was rude when I viewed his comment as accurate, helpful and quite civil.
Mr. Bean
You can pull the flagstick from the hole at any time whether on or off the green...........even if you are 200 yards out and want the pin removed you have the right to remove it!! Same goes for tending the flag - you can have it tended anywhere on or off the green....and yes, if you are 200 yards out and want your caddy to tend the pin you have the right to do that..
Why do golfers take flagsticks out to putt out?
Because most golfers don’t play with caddies, the process of taking the flagstick out to putt out can delay play , and the USGA added that it does not anticipate the rule resulting in a scoring advantage.
What is the penalty for hitting a flagstick?
The Old Rule: Hitting the flagstick with your ball from on the green resulted in a two-stroke penalty. 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.”.
What does it mean to leave a flagstick in?
Leaving the flagstick in means you can ram in some short putts, taking break and doubt out of them. (But be careful — one firmly-struck missed putt can zip by!) Where this rule can more reliably help you is in pace of play. No longer do you have to feel a twinge of guilt for tapping in without first removing the pin.
Can you putt with a pin in golf?
Yes, as far as these things go. It already has been controversial! The headlines thus far have come from Bryson DeChambeau, who announced to GOLF.com last month that he intends to putt with the pin in. “It depends on the COR, the coefficient of restitution of the flagstick,” he said.
Why is my putt short with the flag in?
The reason the putt is short with the flag in is because golfers are unsure how far the ball will roll past the hole if it doesn’t drop so they hit it lighter. But with the flag in you can hit it harder knowing it will not go as far if you hit a little hard and the results show that it will probably go in . Alex .
Why leave the flagstick in?
Leaving the flagstick in also keeps the ball closer to the hole on misses. The less rigid flagstick has the highest make % and least distance after a miss. The most rigid flagstick is still an advantage for both makes and misses vs. flagstick out.
What is the difference between flag type 1 and flag type 2?
Flag type #1 is less rigidand absorbs more energy from the ball on contact. Flag type #2 is more rigidand absorbs less energy from the ball on contact.
Is a backboard cheating?
A backboard is cheating in my opinion.”. As golfers, we are looking for every advantage we can get to shooting lower scores. However, most prefer not to cheat or break traditions to get that advantage.
What percentage of a putt goes in with a flagstick in?
The average with a flagstick in was 45 percent, as high as 61 percent with the fiberglass pin and as low as 36 percent with the dual-diameter pin. In general then, a putt that would have struck the flagstick off-center is twice as likely to go in with the flagstick out as it is with the flagstick in.
What is the make rate at 9 and 10 feet?
At nine and 10 feet past the hole, the make rate drops well below 50 percent with the flagstick out to ultimately zero. With the flagstick in, it generally remains at 100 percent—even at a pace 11, 12 and 13 feet past the hole (see chart below).
Does a flagstick hurt your chances of a putt going in?
The facts of his study suggest the opposite, that the flagstick does much, much more to hurt your chances of a putt going in than help turn a bad putt into a made one.
How to make you feel better about leaving the pin in?
To make you feel better about leaving the pin in, think about how many long putts and chips you’ve seen crash into the pin and still stay in the hole. If you’re watching golf on TV, you’ve also seen several shots fly into the hole directly from the fairway and stay in.
What happens if you hit the pin in the third scenario?
If your putt hits the pin in the third scenario, there’s no penalty (former ly two strokes or loss of hole). It’s a major change in the name of speeding up play.
Why does a putt lose energy?
The reason for this effect is that a significant amount of energy is lost from a putt’s speed when the ball hits a fiberglass flagstick. The speed-loss enables gravity to pull the slower moving ball down into the hole more often.
Can you putt with a flagstick in the hole?
In a statement on its website, The USGA says there “should be no advantage in being able to putt with the unattended flagstick in the hole.”. It continues by saying that “In some cases, the ball may strike the flagstick and bounce out of the hole when it might otherwise have been holed,” while “in other cases, the ball may hit ...
Golf Range Finder Use and Pin Seeking Technology
- The main purpose of the flag is to show golfers where the next hole is. Golf range findersoften come equipped with a pin seeking feature that measures the distance from the range finder to the pin. This makes it easier to accurately gauge the distance, although experienced players can usually eyeball the flag and come up with a distance that’s fairly accurate. But new players must …
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. But due to the new golf rules, this has changed, so …
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 shou...
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…