Dropping Flag

[inXane]

  golfchief said:

I put one end on the green,lower the stick down part way then use my putter on the flag to lay the stick down.

This is exactly what I do, there is nothing more cringe-worthy than seeing (and hearing) that flag hit the ground... ironically it's normally the guys you hear muttering about the state of some greens that are the biggest culprits of flag abuse!

[iacas]

Frankly, if I look at green damage, here's how I think it breaks down:

92%: Ball marks - either un-repaired or improperly repaired.
6%: Spike marks - usually people that drug their feet across the green, trekked sand onto the green, etc.
2%: Everything else - including damage from the flag, damage from dropping a club, etc.

I set the flag down in a way that won't cause damage. My technique and the location vary depending on a variety of factors.

I'd rather set the flag down quickly (and harmlessly) and repair an extra ball mark than take a bunch of time being needlessly extra-careful and thoughtful about putting the flag down.

[gbk56]

I usually put the butt end down then squat a little to lay the flag side down. It really does not take that much energy.

[roverT7]

Thanks for the responses. I am with inXane, in that I hate seeing someone just drop the flag on the green, or even worse toss it laterally. However, if no damage is done to the green, and if the consensus is that dropping is not poor etiquitte, I won't worry about it anymore. I'll still do my thing, which is to put the butt-end on the ground, drop the flag and catch it with my foot, then let it roll off.

As an aside, golf is such a peculiar sport. So much emphasis on etiquitte, and yet something that at first blush appears quite rude would actually not be a problem for most golfers. However, Rory walking ahead of a slow golfer (who was threatened with a penalty) generates uniform criticism among golfers, while most lay observers would not realize the issue. Anyway, thanks for the feedback.

Rob

[allin]

I let it drop on to my foot, no not pointy side down. But really as long as you drop it, don't throw it I never see any damage. Maybe in very wet conditiions?

[sonicblue]

IMO, most pin damage will come from the butt end, so I always put that down very carefully, wherever is close but clearly away from any players' balls. I, too, use my putter as a caddy to lower the flag end slowly to the ground.