Putting whilst holding flagstick.

[backwoodsman]

Playing in the medal yesterday, on the 11th I putted from the fringe, and missed by 3 inches. So I lifted the flag out with one hand and tapped in with the putter in the other. And of course, you can guess what happened next. Yep, one of my FCs gently advised me it was a two shot penalty.

I advised him to the contrary. He accepted after a while, but not before we'd gone through the "Are you sure? I was told by ..." etc routine.

My question is: Was holding the flagstick in one hand ever a breach in the past? Has this myth arisen from folk not keeping with rule changes - or has it always been total eyewash? If it's from a change, how long ago?

 

[BTatHome]

Don't remember ever reading that rule changing, so I would simply say it's a myth that has been passed on.

 

[Foxholer]

I'm almost certain that this myth came from the possibility of a breach. Should the flagstick be used as a brace, to assist with balance while putting up, then it would be a breach, as that is not allowed.

So, if you are going to hold the flag, best to remove all doubt and hold it in the air while you do so!

 

[backwoodsman]

I'm almost certain that this myth came from the possibility of a breach. Should the flagstick be used as a brace, to assist with balance while putting up, then it would be a breach, as that is not allowed.

So, if you are going to hold the flag, best to remove all doubt and hold it in the air while you do so!

Good suggestion as to myth source.

And holding it in the air is what I do - avoids doubt.