Before hitting from anywhere on the course, the player may operate, remove or hold up the flagstick to indicate the location of the hole.
If the flagstick has not been operated, removed or held up before the player takes a stroke, it must not be operated, removed or held up during the stroke or when the player's golf ball is in motion if this could affect the movement of the ball.
Note 1: If the flagstick is in the hole and someone is standing near it while a stroke is being made, this is considered to be operating the flagstick.
Note 2: If the flagstick is operated, removed or held up before the stroke by someone with the player's knowledge and without the player's objection, this is deemed to have been done with the player's authorization.
Note 3: If someone handles or raises the flagstick while a stroke is being played, this is deemed to be handling the flagstick until the ball has come to rest. (Operating, moving a removed or raised flagstick while the ball is in motion - see Rule 24-1).
Status: 2018