Rules of Golf explained with John Paramor: My ball is resting against the flagstick – is it holed?

The former European Tour chief referee is here again to explain the ins and outs of the Rules of Golf

In this Rules of Golf Explained series in association with TaylorMade, I’m joined by former European Tour chief referee John Paramor to discuss various situations in which you might find yourself on the golf course and how you deal with them within the boundaries of the game’s laws.

Rules of Golf explained: Ball resting against the flagstick

In this episode, I have potentially had a hole-in-one – but my ball is resting against the flagstick and is unsure if that means it’s holed or not. Luckily John is on hand to explain how the 2019 Rules of Golf update changed all this, and recalls a famous incident involving Nick Faldo at The Open. Watch the video above as he reveals all…

This Rules of Golf series was filmed in association with TaylorMade at Sunningdale Heath Golf Club.

Subscribe to NCG

Rules of Golf

Got a dodgy drop and want a 'test run'? Here's what the rules say

by Steve Carroll

March 27, 2023

My opponent moved a rake while a ball was in motion – is it a penalty?

by Steve Carroll

March 24, 2023

Rules blip leads to quintuple bogey for Matt Fitzpatrick – here's how to avoid the same trap

by Steve Carroll

March 20, 2023

My ball is plugged in a bunker – what are my options?

by Steve Carroll

March 17, 2023

View all

Steve Carroll

A journalist for 23 years, Steve has been immersed in club golf for almost as long. A former captain and committee member, he has passed the Level 3 Rules of Golf exam with distinction having attended the national Tournament Administrators and Referee's Seminar. He has officiated at a host of high-profile tournaments, including Open Regional Qualifying and the PGA Fourball Championship. A member of NCG's Top 100s panel, Steve has a particular love of links golf and is frantically trying to restore his single-figure handicap.

Handicap: 10.9