holding pin whilst putting

[Iain]

During this time I realise some rules have been adjusted to cater for the covid19 problem.
I played in a game and one of my playing partners stated that it was OK to hold the pin in an upright position whilst some one was putting, and by using a club as an extention to your arm, to do so was not deemed to be touching the pin He had seen being done in a qualifier when this had happened. I told him I thought this was in fact a breach of the rules but he was adamant that it was in order. Who is right.

 

[clubchamp98]

During this time I realise some rules have been adjusted to cater for the covid19 problem.
I played in a game and one of my playing partners stated that it was OK to hold the pin in an upright position whilst some one was putting, and by using a club as an extention to your arm, to do so was not deemed to be touching the pin He had seen being done in a qualifier when this had happened. I told him I thought this was in fact a breach of the rules but he was adamant that it was in order. Who is right.

I am afraid he was .
It’s been allowed to stop bounce outs etc on windy days.

 

[Colin L]

As above.

This is the relevant part of the R&A guidance. The last bullet point is the relevant one.

Committees may choose to adopt the following policies on a temporary basis:

• Require that players leave the flagstick in the hole at all times. It is a matter for the
  Committee to decide whether it establishes this policy by way of a Code of Conduct or Local Rule, and whether it provides a penalty under the Code of Conduct or for a breach of the Local Rule.
• Not have flagsticks at all.
• As a temporary provision, flagsticks can be used for the purpose of player safety which do not meet the specifications in Part 8 of the Equipment Rules. For example, a Committee may temporarily decide to use a flagstick that has an added movable platform or tray to help prevent touching the flagstick when removing the ball from the hole.
• Allow players to centre the flagstick in a safe manner which does not involve using the hand, even when wearing a glove or using a towel (for example, by using a club). The centring of the flagstick may be allowed while another player putts (this may be desirable in windy conditions when the flagstick is required to be left in the hole and is leaning towards the player making the stroke).

Such modifications of the Rules should be incorporated in temporary Local Rules if they are to apply.

 

[Crow]

So reading the above it depends on whether or not your club has chosen to adopt the relevant policy, ie bullet point four.

 

[rulie]

So reading the above it depends on whether or not your club has chosen to adopt the relevant policy, ie bullet point four.

Yes, it's all about what the Committees in charge of the course or competition choose to do - "Committees may choose to adopt the following policies on a temporary basis:"
If the Committee in charge of the course or competition have not chosen to implement these suggestions/recommendations, then they do not apply. Some players believe that every recommendation or suggestion has been approved by their Committee in charge - not always so, for several reasons.