Q. A player's ball is lying against a root. He makes a stroke and the ball pops up into the air. In disgust, he swings at it on the way down, but misses. Such an instinctive swing in anger is not a stroke. Nor should the player be considered to have taken action to influence the movement of the ball in breach of Rule 1-2.
Putted ball hits the flag, which had been lying on the green.
The player may always have the flagstick moved to a better position to insure his putted ball will not strike the flagstick which has been placed on the green. This is part of the history and tradition of the game which new golfers need to understand. Again, etiquette suggests that a fellow-competitor not stand directly on an extension of the line of putt. The rules also do not allow the player to position a caddie or partner on an extension of his line of putt or play. Inc. All rights reserved.