Rules of golf: Does this ball count as being in the hole?
According to the rules of golf, is a ball deemed as being in the hole if it is wedged between the flagstick and the edge of the cup?
The rules of golf can be very difficult for you to get your head around, however, it is important to know the basics for regular occurrences on the golf course.
If you are able to absorb as many rules as possible, you can play a round of golf as stress-free as possible and without a bump in the road if you need to address a situation with a ruling.
Now that you are allowed to have the pin left in when you putt on the green, we have seen images and reports of balls becoming wedged between the flagstick and the edge of the hole.
When this happens it can cause confusion and if you or your playing partners are faced with this situation, it is very possible that you don't know what the rule is.
As golfrules_questions states on Instagram, the ball is in the hole if this happens because part of the ball is within the circumference of the hole.
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If part of the ball is below the level of the green and the ball is resting up against the pin, this counts as being in the hole. You can pick your ball out safely without cause for concern.
Rule 13.2c of the USGA Rules and Interpretations addresses this part of the game and the full rule can be seen below:
If your ball comes to rest against the flagstick left in the hole, and any part of your ball is in the hole below the surface of the putting green, your ball is treated as holed.
If no part of your ball is in the hole below the surface of the putting green:
- Your ball is not holed and must be played as it lies.
- If the flagstick is removed and your ball moves (whether it falls into the hole or moves away from the hole), there is no penalty and it must be replaced on the lip of the hole.
