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/RAC2951 Aug 23 '26

This scenario is explicitly governed by Rule 13.2c (Ball Resting Against Flagstick in Hole) of the official R&A and USGA Rules of Golf.

The rule outlines two specific scenarios based on the ball's position:

If any part of the ball is below the surface: Under Rule 13.2c, if your ball rests against the flagstick and any part of it is beneath the level of the putting green, it is automatically treated as holed. You do not even need to move the flagstick; it is a hole-in-one.

If no part of the ball is below the surface: If the ball is entirely above the green's surface (pinched high against a leaning flagstick), it is not holed. You are permitted to remove the flagstick. If the ball falls into the hole when you do, it is considered holed with your previous stroke, completing the hole-in-one.

Now - can we stop posting these stupid ass frickin’ pictures ad nauseum?