GOLF RULES Do you need the flagstick to mark the golf hole?

You can use your putter to indicate the hole’s location. However, there are specific rules to follow. Dive into the details below.

Ever wondered if you could use your putter instead of the flagstick to indicate the hole’s location to your playing partner? Well, the answer is a resounding yes! However, there’s a catch—you must treat your putter (or any other object used for marking the hole) just like you would the traditional flagstick, as outlined in Rule 17 of golf’s official rules.

Rule 13-2a, titled ‘Flagstick Attended, Removed or Held Up,’ states that before making a stroke from anywhere on the course, players have the option to have the flagstick attended, removed, or held up to indicate the position of the hole. It’s a common sight on golf courses when players seek to determine the exact location of the hole.

But here’s the important part: If the flagstick is not attended, removed, or held up before a player takes a stroke, it must not be manipulated during the stroke or while the player’s ball is in motion if such actions could potentially influence the ball’s movement.

In essence, whether it’s the flagstick or your trusty putter, the key is consistency in applying the rules. If you’d like to delve into the finer details of the rules regarding flagsticks, feel free to visit the official Royal and Ancient website for a comprehensive guide to golf’s regulations.

One thought on “GOLF RULES Do you need the flagstick to mark the golf hole?

  • I like this post about the flag stick. I’ve often wondered about this playing twilight. Often the pro shop attentees will drive around course toward the end of the evening, as light falls, and grab out the sticks for the evening. In most circumstances aiming for the middle of the green is the wisest move however if you are close and chipping on but have say a mound in your way often a putter can be just enough to give you a line to aim at. I can now do this with confidence that I am not playing outside the rules. Cheers.

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