August - 2016

Are you aware of your right's as a Player as regards to the Flagstick?

Flagstick
The "flagstick" is a movable straight indicator, with or without bunting or other material attached, centered in the hole to show its position. It must be circular in cross-section. Padding or shock absorbent material that might unduly influence the movement of the ball is prohibited.

O.K. For those of us who are not up on the Origin and Etymology of the word Bunting, (Old English), here's the definition:

Definition of bunting
1    a   lightweight loosely woven fabric used chiefly for flags and festive decorations
2    a:  flags
      b:  decorations especially in the colors of the national flag

Back to your right's

17/4 Adjustment of Flagstick; Player's Rights

Q. A player playing from off the putting green and wishing to leave the flagstick in the hole may find that the flagstick is leaning towards his ball (a disadvantage) or away from his ball (an advantage). What are the player's rights in such a situation?

A. As the player is entitled to play the course as he finds it, the flagstick may be left as it is. Alternatively, the flagstick may be centered in the hole, as contemplated by the Definition of "Flagstick."

The flagstick may not be intentionally adjusted to a more favorable position than centered. To do so would infringe Rule 1-2 (Exerting Influence on Movement of Ball or Altering Physical Conditions).

An opponent or fellow-competitor who centers the flagstick incurs no penalty, but the player may have it restored to its original position.

      Derek Duesler