What do the rules say about using a flagpole as a coat rack?
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The Rules of Golf Are Complicated! Thankfully, we have the teacher. our Rules Guy knows the book inside out. Have a question? He has all the answers.
My friend and I were playing an early morning round. We each had a sweater to fight the cold. On the 7th hole, he took off his sweater and, because his bag was across the green, draped it over the flagstick as he set up with the pin. Neither of us knew if this was allowed. – Bruce Reeder, Seattle
Rules Guy’s beloved aunt, Style Lady, informs us that it is permissible if the color of the sweater does not clash with that of the flag.
From the perspective of the Rules, the only possible penalty we can think of would be based on intent – say, your friend did this on purpose to move the flagstick to a position other than the center or to cast a shadow to aim.
In the absence of a desire to help his game, there would be no problem in treating the flagstick as a hanger, although it seems a little arrogant.
For more flagstick instruction from our teacher, read on…
Rules Guy: Can I ask my playing partner to hold the flag but keep the pin in the hole while I putt?
Rules Guy
Retired guys on season leave will play in almost any condition. Recently, we were tackling a round in a very strong wind. My shot at a point 3 landed a little short and, just as I chipped, the wind blew the flag stick out of the hole. My ball hit the flag stick and followed along the club into the hole. The flag was positioned correctly when I played my shot, so I suspect I am under penalty. But do I play my shot again, or is it a little birdie with an assist from Mother Nature? —Greg Hayward, via email
While Rules Guy isn’t that shocked by Caddyshack like some people, the incident you describe would have worked well in the montage of the “best round of my life” bishop. Does it end on a happier note? yes.
There is nothing in the rules as far as the Rules Guy sees it that penalizes you or would require the hit to be replayed. You did not remove the flagstick while the ball was in motion, and the ball hitting the flagstick was an accident. Under Rule 13.2, accidental deflections result in the ball being played as it is without penalty. Pick the ball out of the cup… and please don’t get struck by lightning.
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