One of the things about the flagstick and its role in golf that might perplex newcomers to the game is the practice of "tending the flagstick." 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.
Full Answer
Can a caddie remove the flagstick from a golf ball?
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”. The obvious example, and which is given in the Rule, is to stop it hitting the flagstick. If you do this, add the general penalty onto your score.
Who is responsible for the flagstick on the golf course?
This means that the person standing closest to the flag will be responsible for it until a ball comes to rest. A golfer can request that the flagstick be removed whether it’s off or on the green. It can also be left in if the shots going to be played from off the green.
Should players be allowed to putt with the flagstick in the hole?
“Allowing a player to putt with the flagstick in the hole without fear of penalty should generally help speed up play,” the organization posted on its website.
Why did the USGA change the flagstick rule?
Why It Was Changed: The USGA cited its main reason for changing this rule as pace of play. “Allowing a player to putt with the flagstick in the hole without fear of penalty should generally help speed up play,” the organization posted on its website.
Who is responsible for putting the flagstick back in the hole in golf?
1. It's important to realise that if the flagstick is in the hole and anyone stands near it, they are deemed to be attending the flag (unless requested otherwise by the player concerned) and therefore responsible for it until the ball comes to rest.
Can you hold the flagstick while putting?
A question that often gets asked is if you can hit a putt while holding the flagstick. An interpretation to Rule 13.2b (1) confirms that you can make a stroke one-handed while hanging on to the pole, but you can't use it to steady yourself while you make the stroke.
What is tending the flagstick?
"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.
Does the flagstick have to be removed when putting?
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.
What is the penalty for hitting the flagstick while putting?
There is normally no penalty if a ball in motion hits the flagstick. This Rule applies to a ball played from anywhere on the course. Continued), whether on or off the putting green. Continued).
When can you remove the flagstick in golf?
Once the person putting has made contact with the ball, then you can lift the flagstick out of the cup. Be sure to lift it straight up because it can become stuck otherwise, or you could pull out the liner. As the ball approaches the hole, walk away with the flagstick.
Where do you put flagstick?
If you move the flagstick, or authorize someone else to do it, and the ball comes to rest at the bottom, it's holed. But if it doesn't drop, you must place it on the lip of the hole (no penalty) and tap in. UNWRITTEN ▶ When you remove the flagstick, place it gently on the ground. Don't just let it drop.
Can a caddie remove the ball from the hole?
The player's caddie is allowed to mark and lift the player's ball on the putting green any time the player is allowed to do so, without needing authorization. The caddie continues to be allowed to replace the player's ball only if the caddie was the one who had lifted or moved the ball.
What is proper golf etiquette?
Parking your cart/golf bag on the side of the green towards the next hole. Being ready to play when it's your turn. Don't sit in the cart while your playing partner is hitting. Get out and go to your ball, figure out what club you want to hit, and be ready when it's your turn. Playing forward.
Who putts first if someone is off the green?
The short version is that the hole is started by whoever played the last hole best – meaning lowest score has the honor (fancy word for going first on the tee). After the initial shots, the ball farthest from the hole plays first, regardless of whether the ball is on the green or not.
How many balls can a PGA player carry?
nine golf ballsUnder the Rules of Golf, a golfer can carry as many golf balls as they want in their bag. Really, they can carry as many golf balls as they're willing to carry around themselves or their caddie is willing to lug around for them. Most PGA Tour golfers carry in the area of nine golf balls in their bag per round.
Why do golfers take off their glove to putt?
Less grip pressure or a lighter feeling in their hands – is exactly the reason that virtually all the golfers who take their golf gloves off before putting – will tell you that they are doing it for.
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.