July 21, 2015

Decision 17-1/5

Holding the Flagstick with One Hand and Putting with Other Hand

Question

A player holds the flagstick with one hand and holes a short putt, gripping the putter with his/her other hand. Is this permissible?

Answer

Yes, provided the flagstick has been removed from the hole and the ball does not strike it. If the ball were to strike the flagstick, a breach of Rule 17-3a would occur. (Match play - loss of hole; Stroke play - two strokes and the ball must be played as it lies.)

Happy golfing and remember the Rules Matter.