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The rules of golf are tough! Fortunately, we have a guru. Our Rules The man knows the book from front to back. Got a question? He has all the answers.
Downhill, downhill, downwind—that thing fast. I want mast inside. But the wind whips the banner itself, whose shadow also hangs over my ball. Can I ask that the pin be tilted with the flag on the stick, then released after it is placed with the stick kept in the slot the entire time? – Keith Donner, Estero, Florida.
Ask, and you may be punished.
The mast may not be intentionally left in the hole after making the stroke if you decide to attend.
If you do this and then the ball has already hit the flag, you will receive a general penalty of two strokes in putt play or forfeiting the hole in match play under Rule 13.2b for intentionally deflecting the ball, and the putt will have to be returned.
Consider working on your touch-up position instead.
For more reporting tips from our expert, read on…
I had a four foot putt exactly on the mast tangent line, so I left the pin in and made the stroke. My partner called in foul play. I know the USGA has changed the rule so that it is the player’s choice to leave the stick in or out, but does that hold when using its shade as a beacon? —Guy Sykes, via email
As the Rules Guy app so often reminds people at cocktail parties, events, and bar mitzvahs, the rules are there to guide us, not hold us back. They are, in fact, the beacon themselves.
The sun came out and the shadow leads the way? To mix a metaphor, the stars lined up! It’s completely legal! (And lucky for you, it was a straight hit.)
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Do you have a question about the rules? Ask the rules guy! Send your queries, confusions and comments to rulesguy@golf.com. We promise he won’t throw the book at you.