Hole in one question....

[JimmyW]

Someone has a hole in one (or simply drops the ball in on a putt or chip) but the ball is being impeded by the flagstick from going completely into the hole, it's just hanging.

What's the ruling?? Do you move the stick? Shake it? Wait? Could your playing partner/competitor pull out the stick and remove (pop) the ball back out w/o it counting as a drop?? :roller

JW

[Gary Hill]

I cant make this more clear than the actual Rule, so here it is:

Rule 17-4. Ball Resting Against Flagstick

If the ball rests against the flagstick when it is in the hole, the player or another person authorized by him may move or remove the flagstick and if the ball falls into the hole, the player shall be deemed to have holed out with his last stroke; otherwise, the ball, if moved, shall be placed on the lip of the hole, without penalty.

Just bend the flagstick away from the ball until it drops.

Don't carelessly yank out the flagstick because if you "pop-out" the flagstick and the ball pops out with it, you will have to place the ball on the lip of the hole and putt.

Note: A ball is "holed'' when it is at rest within the circumference of the hole and all of it is below the level of the lip of the hole.

[JimmyW]

Thanks

JW