The player's ball must not hit
a) the flagstick if it is being handled or held up or has been removed ( ball hits flag ) or
b) the person operating or holding up the flagstick or anything carried by them, or
c) the unattended flagstick in the hole, provided the shot was made on the green.
Exception: If the flagstick is operated, removed or held up without the player's authorization, see Law 17-2.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 17-3:
Hole play - Hole loss; Counting play - Two strokes,
and the ball must be played as it lies.
Status: 2018
