May 2021
Rule 13.2 The Flagstick - Options with the Flagstick
13.2a Leaving the Flagstick in Hole
The player must decide before putting to either leave the flagstick in the hole or have the flagstick removed from the hole. If a player decides to have the flagstick left in the hole they can choose to have it centred in the hole before putting but cannot deliberate move it to any other position. There is no penalty if the ball hits the flagstick left in the hole and the ball must be played as it lies if it has not been holed. When the player has had the flagstick left in the hole the flagstick must not be moved deliberately by anyone or the General Penalty applies.
13.2b Removing Flagstick from Hole
The player may have the flagstick removed from the Hole completely before putting or may have the flagstick attended. When the flagstick is attended the attendee holds the flagstick and must remove the flagstick after the stroke is made. If the ball in motion hits the flagstick or person attending it, there is no penalty if this is accidental and the ball must be played at it lies. If the ball was deliberately deflected or stopped by the person attending it the General Penalty applies. If the ball was on the putting green it must be replayed.
13.2c Ball Resting against Flagstick in Hole
The ball is treated as holed if any part of the ball is in the hole or below the surface of the hole. If no part of the ball is in the hole below the surface of the putting green the ball is not holed and must be played as it lies. If the flagstick is removed and the ball moves (into the hole or away from the hole) there is no penalty but the ball must be replaced on the lip of the hole and the player must hole out.
