Flag out of the hole but touching the green.

[AuburnWarrior]

Here's the scene: player A has chipped his ball to within six inches of the hole. Players B and C are just off the green and waiting to chip.
As player A is so close to the hole he asks whether he can tap his ball away rather than mark it. The other players agree that he can.
Player A removes the flag from the hole and taps the ball into the hole.

Now, player B thinks that there's been an infringement because the bottom of the flag, although not touching the hole, was touching the green.

I believe that no infringement has occurred - who's correct?

 

[fundy]

youre correct, think this is one of those almost urban myth rules that Ive heard several times but have never seen written in my rule book, only way it can be a penalty is if the ball strikes the flag

 

[duncan mackie]

youre correct, think this is one of those almost urban myth rules that Ive heard several times but have never seen written in my rule book, only way it can be a penalty is if the ball strikes the flag

yes and no.....as ever!

there are ways it can be a penalty (using the flag as a support whilst making the stroke) - but I'm not suggesting that this was relevant here so we agree AW was correct.

there was a decision in a past version of the rules that was mistakenly taken as indicating that this (putting holding the flag) was a penalty, and I understand that this is believed by many to have given rise to this myth. If I can find the reference I will post it later.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

yes and no.....as ever!

there are ways it can be a penalty (using the flag as a support whilst making the stroke) - but I'm not suggesting that this was relevant here so we agree AW was correct.

there was a decision in a past version of the rules that was mistakenly taken as indicating that this (putting holding the flag) was a penalty, and I understand that this is believed by many to have given rise to this myth. If I can find the reference I will post it later.

That's certainly how I've always understood it - you can't take the flag out and hold it in one hand whilst you tap a putt in with the other. And I haven't played with anyone who thinks you can - or argued that they could. hmmm.

 

[DCB]

Duncan is right, Decision 17-1/5 says that it's not a penalty if the player taps the ball in whilst holding the flagstick

 

[AuburnWarrior]

Duncan is right, Decision 17-1/5 says that it's not a penalty if the player taps the ball in whilst holding the flagstick

Even if the flag stick is touching the green?

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

bl**dy hell - it's a myth!! - well there you go. Now shall I try that out if given the opportunity during our medal on Saturday.

 

[pbrown7582]

I thought if the flag was touching the ground you run the risk of penalty for support whilst making a stroke so have always avoided it. Interesting to note its allowed but not sure it's worth the argument with urban myth!

 

[DCB]

Even if the flag stick is touching the green?

If you're using it as a support and leaning on the flagstick then yes he is penalised via 14-3. But if the flagstick is just being held and not used as an aid then no penalty.

 

[Whereditgo]

bl**dy hell - it's a myth!! - well there you go. Now shall I try that out if given the opportunity during our medal on Saturday.

Sounds like the recipe for an argument to me!

If you're using it as a support and leaning on the flagstick then yes he is penalised via 14-3. But if the flagstick is just being held and not used as an aid then no penalty.

At what point does the flagstick touching the ground change from just being held and touching the ground to being used as an aid though? Might seem pedantic, but I bet those who believe the myth would argue! :mmm: