Hey guys,
I have a quick rules question. One I have never really thought about, but a group at my club was discussing this earlier. Is it ok to have someone tend the flagstick if you are putting from off of the green? Thanks!

Yes, the stick can be tended at any time (on or off). You could have somebody (if they were willing to do so) tend the flag on a par 5 when teeing off.

Rule 17-1
Before making a stroke from anywhere on the course, the player
may have the flagstick attended, removed or held up to indicate
the position of the hole.
If the flagstick is not attended, removed or held up before the
player makes a stroke, it must not be attended, removed or held
up during the stroke or while the player’s ball is in motion if
doing so might influence the movement of the ball.

Thanks guys for clearing that up!

What you have to watch for with this rule is grabbing the flagstick while the ball is in motion. Whether it's laying on the ground or standing in the hole, DON'T touch the flagstick once the ball has been put into motion. Even if it means the ball in motion will strike it and garner a penalty.

Lefty,

Time to brush up on the 2008 rules changes!

Rule 24-1. Movable Obstruction -- Amended to allow a flagstick, whether attended, removed or held up, to be moved when a ball is in motion.

Kevin

Great find...I did not not know that change.

Yup new change to the 2008 rules.

I think JB Holmes indirectly helped that change along as he got nailed for a 2 stroke penalty when trying to help out a fellow competitor from incurring a 2 stroke penalty.

Thanks NCNickentGuy,

Lots of changes this year!

http://www.usga.org/news/2007/October/2007_79.html

Kevin

Good call, Kev. I do need to brush up!