![\"golf](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/golfflagstick-1024x666.jpg\")
<\/p>\nWhat do you do with the flagstick when you\u2019re on the green? Do you just leave it in the hole \u2013 allowed as part of the 2019 rules changes \u2013 or are you a serial lifter?<\/p>\n
Many of us remove the flag and then plonk it down without really thinking about where we\u2019ve left it. Occasionally, that can cause a panic, as this question reveals:<\/p>\n
\u201cThe flagstick is lying on the green. No one is attending it. No one is near it. The player makes a stroke on the green. Their ball is in motion and they realise it is going to miss the hole and hit the flagstick.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey run forward and, while the ball is still moving, lift the flagstick. Is there a penalty?\u201d<\/p>\n
Firstly, can I say I\u2019m impressed at our questioner\u2019s agility. I\u2019d be statuesque. But dodgy ankles aside, what does happen if you find yourself in this predicament?<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Golf flagstick rules: Can you shift the flag?<\/p>\n
I have a litmus test for potential rules columns. I ask the question and if enough people in the office get it wrong it passes mustard. This one was a 50-50 split.<\/p>\n
It just feels like it\u2019s going to be a problem, doesn\u2019t it? Moving an object deliberately, or affecting where a ball might end up, seems like a penalty waiting to happen.<\/p>\n
Much of the time you would be right and counting the cost. But not when it comes to a removed flagstick.<\/p>\n
The rule that stops you getting involved when a ball is in motion \u2013 it\u2019s 11.3<\/a> \u2013 has an exception that allows you to lift or move a removed flagstick when a ball is in motion.<\/p>\n You can also sprint in and shift a ball at rest on the putting green and equipment belonging to any player.<\/p>\n Notice the term \u201cremoved flagstick\u201d. Taking it out of the hole, including when it is attended, when a ball is in motion is a bit different and covered by Rule 13.2<\/a>.<\/p>\n Got a question for our expert?<\/p>\n Despite the changes to the Rules of Golf in 2019 and 2023, there are still some that leave us scratching our heads. I\u2019ll try to help by featuring the best of your queries in this column.<\/p>\n What do you think of these golf flagstick rules? Let me know by leaving a comment below, email me at s.carroll@nationalclubgolfer.com<\/a> or get in touch on\u00a0X<\/a>.<\/p>\n