Golf has used flagsticks to mark holes for centuries, but the term flagstick was first used in an 1875 rules guide developed by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, the game's first ruling body. Over the years, courses have developed certain types of flags to aid players during the round. One place where you won't find flags, though, is the classic Merion Golf Club in Pennsylvania, which is famous for using small, red wicker baskets at the top of its flagsticks.
Tournament Play
On the professional tours, flags are a consistent color, usually emblazoned with the logo of the tournament and/or its sponsor. The U.S. Golf Association for years kept things simple, using yellow flags with block letters for the hole number and tournament name. The flags themselves give no indication for the hole location; players and their caddies use yardage books and often have stepped off yardages during practice rounds.
Position flags
Some courses use a consistent color flag on every hole but also attach a secondary, smaller flag that indicates the hole position. Letting the players know the hole position helps with club selection and can speed play on crowded public courses. Sliding the secondary flag higher up on the flagstick means the hole has been cut on the back section of the green. A middle position is for holes cut in the middle portion, and a secondary flag moved down lower on the flagstick means the hole is in the front third of the green that day.
Colored Flags
Many courses use colored flags instead of secondary flags. The color system may vary by the course, but a standard in the U.S. is to use red flags for front flagstick positions; white flags for middle positions and blue flags for back flagstick positions. If you're playing a course for the first time, check in the shop or ask the starter at the first tee what system the course uses.
"All Clear" Flags
On holes with blind tee shots, some courses will place a flag or a bell just off the fairway near the landing area for tee shots so players ahead can indicate that they've played their shots and are moving on. This helps trailing players know when they can begin play on a hole.
Blue Cart Flags
Golf carts are normally not allowed within 50 to 60 yards of a green, which helps reduce wear of the turf. An exception is for disabled golfers, who are permitted to drive right up to within a few feet of the green. These golfers get a flag from the pro shop before their round, normally blue, to attach to their cart. The flag indicates that player's exception to course marshals and staff.
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