USGA. Rule 17-3 Flagstick
December 7, 2009 by Admin
photo credit: sidewalk flying If the flag is left in the cup while you are putting and your ball hits the flagpole you will incur a 2 stroke penalty and have to play the ball as it lies. If your ball hits the pin during your approach shot from off the green, there is no penalty.
There are advantages and disadvantages when the pin is left in the cup. When playing a shot from off the green, the flag can play an important role in stopping a fast moving ball that would ordinarily have rolled a good distance past the cup. Another reason for leaving the flag in the cup is for alignment, especially if you are playing to an elevated green and can only see the top of the flagstick.
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