Hole in one question

I would say its a hole in one. I mean its not a piece of your equipment so it wouldn't be a penalty. Though I believe if you putt the ball and hit the flag stick its a penalty. What if you happen to hit something else man made. Like this one hole is right near the gas refill tank for the carts. Its not a par 3, but if my ball hit that tank on the 2nd shot, and it went into the hole it counts as a 2.

The stroke (and ace) count. Decision 17-3/3 pertains...... 17-3/3 Ball Strikes Flagstick Lying on Ground Q.Generally, the player's ball must not strike the flagstick when removed from the hole (Rule 17-3). What is the ruling in the following situations: (a) A player putts too strongly and his ball strikes the flagstick which has been removed by someone in his match or group and placed on the ground behind the hole. (b) A player plays his second shot to the green and the ball strikes the flagstick, which had been blown down by the wind and was lying on the ground. (c) A player, not believing he can reach the green which is occupied by the preceding match or group, plays his second shot at a par-5 hole and the ball rolls onto the green and strikes the flagstick which has been removed from the hole and placed on the ground by someone in the preceding match or group. A. (a) The player incurs a penalty of loss of hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play under Rule 17-3a. (b)&(c) No penalty is incurred. Rule 17-3a is not applicable in either case. It applies only when the flagstick has been removed with the player's authority or prior knowledge by someone in the player's match or group.

Thanks David!

If Karl Spackler says...........It's IN DA HOLE!    it counts!   LOL