SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/golf-flagstick-can-stay-in

Can you putt from the green with the flagstick left in the hole?

Yes, and normally there is no penalty if the ball hits it.

Start playing free

  1. No, it must be removed on the green
  2. Yes, but it costs two strokes if hit
  3. Yes, with normally no penalty if hit ✔

Why: Rule 13.2a lets a player make a stroke with the flagstick left in the hole, from anywhere, including the green. You must decide before the stroke, and normally there is no penalty if the ball hits it.

Huh, didn't know that: Before 2019, hitting the flagstick with a putt from the green cost two strokes in stroke play.

The dad joke
Why did the flagstick stay in? It didn't want to miss the putt.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Yes, with normally no penalty if hit. Rule 13.2a lets a player make a stroke with the flagstick left in the hole, from anywhere, including the green. You must decide before the stroke, and normally there is no penalty if the ball hits it.

  1. The R&A, Rules of Golf, Rule 13 Putting Greens www.randa.org/en/rog/the-rules-of-golf/rule-13
    The player may leave the flagstick in the hole or have it removed
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. The R&A, Rules of Golf, Rule 13 Putting Greens www.randa.org/en/rog/the-rules-of-golf/rule-13
    There is normally no penalty if a ball in motion hits the flagstick.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Sports & FitnessYour ball stops leaning against the flagstick, partly below the green's surface. Is it holed?Sports & FitnessOn the putting green, you accidentally bump your ball with your putter. What is the penalty?Sports & FitnessMay you repair spike marks on the putting green before you putt?

That's stuff everyone should know.