Hi Linda,
My questions are about one's ball hitting objects on the
course. Our Board and our rules “expert” are knocking heads over some
situations. We've checked the rules book, but we're still confused. I know
you'll be able to help us out.
1. Hitting the flagstick: I've always thought that
hitting the flagstick or the person tending or holding it was a 2-stroke
penalty. What if the flagstick is hit by a putt when the flagstick is lying off green?
The way I read the Rule it sounds like that may only be a 1-stroke penalty. Is
the penalty different depending on whether the pin is on or off the green?
2. Hitting equipment: I know that hitting your
opponent's equipment is no penalty and I thought that hitting your own,
your partner's or your teammate's equipment is a 2-stroke penalty. However,
after reading the rulebook, it sounds like it may only be a 1-stroke penalty. Is
the penalty the same whether your "equipment" is on or off the green?
I appreciate your help with making us less confused and I
await your response.
Thank you so much.
Lulu from San Diego, California
Dear Lulu,
1. The penalty for hitting the flagstick when it is
attended, held up, or lying on the ground, is two strokes (loss of hole in
match play). It makes no difference whether a flagstick lying on the ground is
on or off the green [Rule 17-3a]. The penalty is assessed to the player putting
the ball.
The penalty for hitting the person attending or holding up
the flagstick is two strokes/loss of hole [Rule 17-3b]. The penalty is assessed
to the player putting the ball.
There is no instance where the penalty for hitting the
flagstick is only one stroke.
2. The penalty for hitting your own or your partner’s
equipment is one stroke, and the ball must be played as it lies [Rule 19-2].
The location of the equipment on or off the green is irrelevant.
Linda
Copyright © 2018 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
