Linda,
Once the flagstick is taken out of the hole and placed on
the green, if you see someone’s’ putted ball headed for the flagstick, can you
move it to avoid it being hit? Thank you for your answer.
Lulu from Green Valley, Arizona
Dear Lulu,
Yes.
You may pick up a flagstick lying on the ground while the
ball is in motion. Unfortunately for golfers seeking out this ruling, it does
not appear in Rule 17: The Flagstick,
where logical people might look for it. Instead, you have to read the last
paragraph before the Note in Rule 24-1: Obstructions,
to find the answer:
When a ball is in
motion, an obstruction that might influence the movement of the ball, other than equipment of
any player or the flagstick when
attended, removed or held up,
must not be moved.
Linda
Copyright © 2018 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
