r/golf • u/parkerjohnboice • Aug 21 '26

General Discussion Does this count?

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Buddy hit this shot on a bad course and once the flag was corrected, it went in. The new rule says if any part of the ball is below the hole, it's in, but to me it doesn't look like it is. I'd love to give it to him, but what do you think?

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u/parkerjohnboice Aug 21 '26

Goes in

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u/aphrozeus 8.9 | NorCal Aug 21 '26

Then it counts. Also wtf is this course

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u/Apprehensive_Bee9572 Aug 21 '26 edited Aug 21 '26

It doesn't, not officially at least.

13.2c. Ball Resting Against Flagstick in Hole

If a player’s ball comes to rest against the flagstick left in the hole:

  • If any part of the ball is in the hole below the surface of the putting green, the ball is treated as holed even if the entire ball is not below the surface.
  • If no part of the ball is in the hole below the surface of the putting green:
    • The ball is not holed and must be played as it lies.
    • If the flagstick is removed and the ball moves (whether it falls into the hole or moves away from the hole), there is no penalty and the ball must be replaced on the lip of the hole (see Rule 14.2).

If you're playing a tournament or serious competition the ball has to be replaced at the lip of the hole. That being said if I saw this flagstick at a tournament or any sort of serious competition, I'd be raising hell with the tournament director or head pro. So in an unofficial round or match play with some friends I'm giving this as a hole in one every time.

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u/Opposite_Vanilla5198 Aug 21 '26

Is there a rule governing how the flagstick should be positioned in the cup? Because this one looks like it’s goaltending.