The ruling in plain English
No. If you chose to leave the flagstick in the hole before putting and your ball hits it, there is normally no penalty. Play the ball as it lies, unless it was holed. The result changes if the flagstick was deliberately positioned to gain an advantage or improperly moved while the ball was in motion.
Apply the Rule on the course
You can leave the flagstick in when you putt. If your ball hits it, there is normally no penalty—just play from where it stops if it does not go in.
- 1
Decide before the stroke whether to leave the flagstick in the hole or have it removed.
- 2
If it stays in, do not move it off-centre to help the ball or deliberately move it while the ball is rolling.
- 3
After the ball hits the flagstick, play it from where it finishes unless it is holed.
Practise your putting between rounds
A 10 ft putting mat gives you room to work on your start line and pace at home. This SAPLIZE mat has alignment markings and includes a mirror, practice hole and ball stop.
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View the putting mat on AmazonWhat else matters
No penalty for the ordinary collision. Deliberate advantageous positioning or prohibited movement of the flagstick can bring the general penalty.
Exceptions
- An attended or removed flagstick follows the separate Rule 13.2b procedure.
- A ball resting against a flagstick in the hole has a separate holed-ball test.
Common mistakes
- Assuming an unattended flagstick collision still costs a penalty.
- Trying to move or remove the flagstick after the stroke to influence the ball.
- Deliberately leaning the flagstick off-centre for an advantage.
Remember: Decide before the stroke; if left in, an ordinary hit is free.
R&A Rule 13.2a
Independent plain-English guide. The current Rules, Interpretations and applicable Local Rules control.