The Rules
Another important change to know in
regard to the flagstick is when your ball
comes to rest against it when it is left in
the hole. In last year’s Rules, the entire ball
had to be in the hole for it to be considered
holed. Now, if any part of the ball is in
the hole below the surface of the putting
green and resting against the flagstick, it
is treated as holed even if the entire ball is
not below the surface. If no part of the ball
is in the hole, it must be played as it lies and
if your ball is moved when the flagstick is
removed, there is no penalty and the ball
must be replaced on the lip of the hole.
These changes regarding the flagstick
are very noticeable and may take some
time to get used to, but they make the game
less penal and should definitely help speed
up play.
Josh Coates is the VSGA’s Director of
Rules and Competitions.
Pro Tip: Use the flagstick
as a backboard!
Adam Smith, PGA Teaching Professional at Kinloch
Golf Club, discusses the strategy involved:
MY ADVICE is to consider this strategy
when putting: leave the flagstick in and
use the flagstick as a “backboard” for your
shot. The Rules are relaxed now, regarding
the flagstick. So use it to help you hole
your putt. Knowing that you have an assist
for sinking your putt, you can be confident
and aggressive when putting. The flagstick,
left in the hole, can actually help you to
be more confident. Think of it as your
target. Think about the center of the hole!
Certainly, you want to hit your putt “dead
center.” So, use the flagstick as your target
and your backboard for the hole.
I have personally committed to putting
with the flagstick in the hole. On short
putts it is a true confidence builder. On
longer putts, it helps, visually. And on the
long putts, the ones where you would like
for the ball to be stopped or deflected
downward when rolling with aggressive
speed, leave the flagstick in for assistance.
This strategy will help you with your
putts holed. Leaving the flagstick in can
make you feel more secure about your
ability to hole out more putts, more often.
Try it for yourself, next time you spend time
working on your short game.
THE GRASS IS
TRULY GR EENER
AT A M E R I C A’ S
FIRST RESORT.
Experience challenging
fairways nestled in the
breathtaking Allegheny
Mountains at The Omni
Homestead Resort. With more
than 30 other activities and a
world-class spa, this is a golf
getaway you’ll never forget.
OmniHotels.com/TheHomestead
540-839-1766
vsga.org
M A R C H / A P R I L 2 0 19 | V I R G I N I A G O L F E R
13