What are the rules for using a flagstick as a coat rack?
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The Rules of Golf are tricky! Thank you, we have a guru. Our Rules Guy knows the book from front to back. Have a question? You have all the answers.
My friend and I were playing a morning round. We all wore pullovers to fight the cold. On the 7th hole, he took off his apron, and because his bag was on the other side of the green, he placed it on the fairway as he put the pin. None of us knew if this was allowed. — Bruce Reeder, Seattle
Rules Guy's lovely aunt, Style Lady, informs us that it is allowed if the color of the pullover does not clash with the flag.
From the perspective of the Rules, the only possible penalty we can think of would be based on the intent – say, your friend did it on purpose to move the flag sign to a non-central location or to put a shadow on it.
Failing the desire to help his performance, there will be no problem in treating the flagstick as a clothes hanger, although it sounds presumptuous.
For a flagstick-related guide from our guru, read on…
Rules Guy: Can I ask my playing partner to hold the flag, but keep the pin in the hole while I put?
Rules Guy
Retired guys with season passes will play in almost any situation. Recently, we were brave enough to go around in a strong wind. My shot on par 3 fell short and, just as I jumped, the wind blew the flagpole into the hole. My ball hit the soft flagstick and followed the stick into the hole. The flag was well placed when I played my ball, so I doubt I am penalized. But am I replaying my shot, or is it a bird with some help from Mother Nature? —Greg Hayward, via email
While the Rules Guy is not as he is associated Caddyshack like some people, the scene you describe would work well in the “best of my life” bishop cycle. Does it end on a happy note? Yes.
There is nothing in the rules as the Rules Guy sees that penalizes you or requires that the stroke be repeated. You did not release the flagstick while the ball was in motion, and the ball hitting the flagstick was accidental. Under Law 13.2, an accidental deviation results in the ball being played as it lies without penalty. Pick your ball from the cup … and, please, don't be struck by lightning.
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