Setting

Issues of world peace and thermonuclear war occupied the conversation of a group recently during a pre-match meal over-looking the scenic 18th hole of BMCC.

“Why would North Korea do a deal with Trump?”, one asked, “when he looks so eager to back out of the deal with Iran.”

“It must gall the Democrats sorely”, said another, “to have their icons, the Europeans, appear to get along so well with Trump.” He was, of course, referencing the state visits of the leaders of countries the world once recognized as France and Germany (pre-immigration).

Foremost’s gaze momentarily wandered. As he peered out the window, he immediately noticed that the 18th hole was empty of players, and the flagstick was lying on the putting green, apparently blown over by the wind. The hole was positioned front and center, with the downed flagstick lying horizontally and in a position to block the access of almost any ball trying to roll to the center-back portion of the green. F alerted his group that the flagstick was down. They stood in unison and crowded around the picture window to confirm.

The conversation suddenly grew deathly serious.

 

 

Proposed Scenario

On the long par four 18th hole at BMCC (a par 5 for most players!) the approaching group sees that the flagstick is blown over and lying on the ground. The first player hitting an approach shot is about 150 yards away, with the next three players approaching from 80 yards, 10 yards, and the front fringe.

The pin lies horizontally on the green, in a position to perhaps backstop running pitch or chip shots level with the hole placement. None of the players has yet approached the green.

Issue(s)

Must any these players go forward to replace the flagstick in the hole, when it’s position on the green may assist an approach shot?

Ruling

Generally, a Player incurs a penalty if his ball strikes a flagstick that is “attended, removed, or held up.” (R17-3a). This rule applies only, however, when the flagstick has been removed by someone in the player’s “own match or group”. (Dec 17-3/3b&c). Accordingly, where the flag has been left on the ground by a preceding group or is wind blown, there is generally no violation for hitting a flagstick on the ground without replacing the flagstick.

But even the exception to the rule comes with a caveat. In Dec 17-3/3c (cited above), the Committee notes that play was on a Par 5, and the Player’s ball struck the flag when he was “not believing” he could reach the green in two.

The player’s mindset and his distance from the hole would then both seem to be factors the Committee would review in determining the assessment of a penalty. Clearly, a putt from the fringe or a chip from 10 yards might draw a penalty; perhaps a penalty at 80 yards; maybe no penalty at 150 yards…

If in doubt, F suggests going forward and putting the flagstick in the hole.

As usual, all comments or corrections are welcome!

Respectfully submitted,
F