Greendale Women's Golf Association, Alexandria, Va

Hi Ladies,

Rule 13.2 states that now you can hit the unattended flagstick that’s in the hole from the the putting green (or anywhere else) without penalty. The decision to remove the flagstick, have it attended or keep it in the hole must be made before making a stroke. If you decide to remove the flagstick for one stroke, you can leave it in for the next stroke. Your choice!

The R & A and USGA believe that this rule will help in the pace of play.  Some experts estimated that a foursome of amateurs could save 40 seconds per hole if they left the flagstick in the cup. That’s 12 minutes per round.  It will be a little challenging at first to get used to this new rule but I think  after about 3 holes, you will have a fairly good idea of your playing partners preferences.

The first video I have included is in the GWGA video library under “Rules”. It is a USGA video explaining the rule regarding the flagstick. The second video is one that Kathy Rath sent to me from YouTube. If you were wondering if you should leave the stick in or take it out, this video might give you the answer. Thank you, Kathy!

In the words of Cosmo Kramer, “Without rules, there’s chaos”!!!

Sue

Rules of Golf Explained: Flagstick

FLAGSTICK IN OR OUT | Which is BETTER?

Hi All

The old rules stated that if your ball was moved by a player or an outside agency after it had already been lifted and replaced on the green, you would have needed to return and place your ball on its original spot.

An outside agency  includes an animal, natural or artificial object, a referee, a marker (scorer), an observer and a forecaddie.  Neither wind nor water is an outside agency. (Now called “outside influence”)

The new rule states that  if your ball moves from it’s spot after lifting and replacing it,  even if it was blown by the wind or moved for no clear reason,  the ball must  be replaced on its original spot.

If your ball has not been lifted and replaced and it moves from it’s original spot, the ball must be played from its new position.

Hi Ladies,

The old rule stated that you were only allowed relief when your ball was embedded in it’s own pitch-mark in “areas cut to fairway height or less”.

Now you may take relief by dropping your ball within one club length of the spot in the relief area without penalty for an embedded ball anywhere in the “general area” which is the new term for “through the green”. The general area is the whole area of the course with the exception of the tee box, putting green and all of the penalty areas. “If your ball is embedded on the green, you may mark the spot of your ball, lift and clean it, repair the damage, and replace your ball on it’s original spot”. Page 100 and 101 in your USGA rules book covers this  with pictures!

Sue

Hi All,

With a few exceptions,  the old rule stated that you had to use your original ball when you took free relief.

Now, you may use either the original ball or another when taking relief. It’s always a good idea to tell your playing partners what make of ball you are using if you  do change.

Sue