The United States Golf Association sets the standard for the rules of the game for American players, events and organizations. Among the things that the USGA presides over are the rules for establishing and maintaining handicaps as well as the use of flags and flagsticks on golf courses.
Understanding Handicaps
The USGA describes its handicap system as enabling golfers of all skill levels to compete on an equitable basis. A golfer's handicap -- expressed as a number -- indicates the number of shots over par that individual has averaged over a certain number of rounds. The lower the handicap, the more skilled the player. Once a player has established a handicap, it is important to update that number by adding additional rounds to the equation to maintain an accurate reflection of the player's ability.
USGA Handicap Rules
A minimum of five rounds of golf must be completed to calculate a USGA handicap index. The handicap index, however, must be converted to a course handicap for every different golf course played, based on the difficulty of that course, which is expressed as a slope rating. The handicap index factors in a player's 20 most-recent rounds, counting the best 10 scores in the calculation.
Flags and Flagsticks
Flagsticks and the flags attached to them on golf courses provide players with a sense of where on a green the hole is located. This is of particular importance when players hit approach shots to a green from a distance. Additionally, the flags aid players in determining the direction and severity of the wind on the green.
Rules for Flags
The USGA stipulates that the flagstick must be tended or removed once all players have reached the green with their balls. A player hitting a putt may not use the advantage of the stick in the hole to stop the progress of the ball and help it into the hole. If such aid is used, the player incurs a two-stroke penalty. Additionally, the color of the flag usually indicates if the hole is in the front, middle or back of the green. Red generally indicates a front flag, white a middle flag and blue a back flag.
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