FLAGSTICK FOR A HOLE ON A GOLF COURSE AND A KIT COMPRISING SUCH A FLAGSTICK

Abstract

 A flagstick (1) for use in conjunction with a hole cup (40) in a hole on a golf course and having a ferrule socket (41), the flagstick (1) comprising a first elongate member (20) and a second elongate tubular member (30) slidably arranged on the first member (20); a ferrule (25) fastened to a lower end (21) of the first member (20) and arranged to be inserted into the ferrule socket (41), the ferrule (25) comprising a base portion (26) arranged to secure the lower end (21) of the first member (20) and a central cavity (27) having a diameter greater than the diameter of the first member (20); and a circular tray (10) with a diameter adapted to fit in the hole cup (40), wherein the tray (10) comprises an upwardly raised rim (11) extending along the circumference of the tray, wherein the tray (10) is rigidly attached to a lower end (31) of the second tubular member (30), and wherein an outer diameter of the lower end (31) corresponds to an inner diameter of the cavity (27).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to new and useful improvements in the flagsticks that are removably mounted in hole cups on golf courses, more particularly, to a flagstick which facilitates removal of a golf ball from the hole cup.

Background art

[0002] In the sport of golf, the purpose is to hit a golf ball into a series of holes on a course in as few strokes as possible. Inevitably, the golf ball must then be removed from the hole, which according to the Rules of Golf must be 4¼ inches (108 mm) in diameter and at least 4 inches (101.6 mm) deep. Further, golf etiquette requires golfers to prevent unnecessary damage to the course, and especially the putting green. In order to avoid damaging the hole, golfers and caddies should not stand too close to the hole and should take care during the handling of the flagstick and the removal of a ball from the hole. The head of a club should not be used to remove a ball from the hole. Golfers should not lean on their clubs when on the putting green, particularly when removing the ball from the hole.

[0003] Hence, in practice golfers will usually stand on one leg and bend over horizontally to remove a ball from the hole at least 4 inches (101.6 mm) below the surface of the putting green. It is well known that such repeated bending and stretching puts a tremendous strain on the back. Thus, there is an apparent need for a solution to facilitate the removal of golf balls from a hole on a golf course.

[0004] Numerous devices exist on the market today for ejecting golf balls from a hole on a practice putting green. The ejection devices normally comprise a dome-shaped ejector element arranged in the cup of the hole and a mechanism for raising the ejector element, thereby lifting and ejecting the golf balls from the hole, often in random directions and distances. Such devices facilitate removing the golf ball from the hole and randomly spread the golf balls out from the hole, thus allowing a golfer to repetitiously practice their putting with minimum effort. In US 8,740,716, one such ejection device is disclosed.

[0005] The sport of golf is played under the Rules of Golf which are jointly governed by the R&A, spun off in 2004 from The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (founded 1754), and the United States Golf Association (USGA). The Rules of Golf define the regulations under which golf should be played and prescribe penalties for rule infractions. This includes defining the different areas on a golf course as well as related objects such as flagsticks and boundary stakes. Following from this, there is a marked distinction between what equipment is allowed on a golf course in match or stroke play compared to designated practice areas such as driving ranges, practice greens and bunkers.

[0006] For instance, the flagstick indicating the position of the hole on the putting green must be circular in cross-section and padding or shock absorbent material that might unduly influence the movement of the ball is prohibited. Hence, ejection devices of the type described above are restricted to practice greens and may not be used on a proper golf course.

[0007] US 2018/0207496 discloses a motorised golf ball elevator intended to be installed in a hole on a golf course. However, the disclosed device is bulky which requires significant installation space below the surface of the putting green and may not be easily moved when the position of the hole on the putting green is changed to prevent excessive localised wear and damage to the turf. In addition, the disclosed golf ball elevator would be very costly to install in one hole, let alone in all holes, on a golf course.

[0008] Thus, there is a need for an improved solution which facilitates removal of golf balls from a hole which would fulfil the requirements to be used on a golf course in normal play whilst also reducing the associated cost.

Summary of the invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved solution which facilitates removal of golf balls from a hole which would fulfil the requirements to be used on a golf course in normal play. This object is achieved in a first aspect of the invention, in which there is provided a flagstick for use in conjunction with a hole cup in a hole on a golf course and having a ferrule socket, the flagstick comprising a first elongate member and a second elongate tubular member slidably arranged on the first member; a ferrule fastened to a lower end of the first member and arranged to be inserted into the ferrule socket, the ferrule comprising a base portion arranged to secure the lower end of the first member, and a central cavity having a diameter greater than the diameter of the first member and arranged to receive a lower end of the second tubular member; and a circular tray with a diameter adapted to fit in the hole cup, wherein the tray comprises an upwardly raised rim extending along the circumference of the tray, wherein the tray is rigidly attached to a lower end of the second tubular member, and wherein an outer diameter of the lower end (31) of the second tubular member corresponds to an inner diameter of the central cavity of the ferrule .

[0010] In an effort to make the Rules of Golf, and the game of golf itself, more accessible and more in tune with the way the modern sport is played, The R&A and USGA have modernised the Rules of Golf, which entered into force on January 1, 2019. Among the many changes intended to make the Rules easier to understand and apply for all golfers, one in particular relates to the golfer's choices for dealing with the flagstick. Under the old Rules (Rule-3c), the golfer's ball must not strike the flagstick in the hole, unattended, when the stroke has been made on the putting green, lest the golfer incur a penalty. In practice, this meant that after the golfer's ball reaches the putting green, the flagstick needs to be attended or removed from the hole. As a result, the flow of play is affected due to the time required for the golfers to attend or remove the flagstick from the hole, and subsequently, replace the flagstick after holing out.

[0011] According to the 2019 Rules (2019 Rule 13.2a), the golfer may make a stroke from anywhere on the course, whether on or off the putting green, with the flagstick left in the hole, so that it is possible for the ball in motion to hit the flagstick without incurring a penalty. It is believed that many golfers will embrace this change and to a high degree leave the flagstick in the hole when making strokes on the putting green. At the same time, leaving the flagstick in the hole also introduces an additional impediment to removal of the ball from the hole as it effectively reduces the free space of the hole by half, from 4¼ inches (108 mm) in diameter to less than 2 inches (50.8 mm) in radius, making it more difficult to insert the hand into the hole and grasp the ball.

[0012] The present invention takes advantage of this change to the Rules, in that the novel flagstick enables the golfer to remove golf balls from the hole simply by raising the second tubular portion of the flagstick with the tray up to a convenient height for retrieval whilst the first member with the ferrule remains secured in the hole cup.

[0013] In use, the flagstick according to the present invention is inserted in a hole on a golf course. Any golf ball being holed will then come to rest on the tray. After holing out with the flagstick left in the hole (following the 2019 Rules of Golf explained above), the golfer may grab the second elongate tubular member attached to the tray and slide it upwards along the first member which acts as a guide rod. This will raise the tray to a comfortable height for removal, thus obviating the need to bend down in an often uncomfortable and straining position to reach for the ball in the hole located at least 4 inches (101.6 mm) below the surface of the putting green.

[0014] By providing a two-piece ferrule with a tight fit between the lower end of the second tubular member and the ferrule, the flagstick according to the present invention reduces or eliminates relative movement between the first and second elongate members. Thereby, any damping or padding of a golf ball hitting the flagstick is prevented to ensure that the flagstick is in conformity with the Rules of Golf.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, an outer diameter of the first member is chosen such that a gap between the first member and the second tubular member is created, wherein the first member further comprises at least one enlarged section having a diameter substantially corresponding to an inner diameter of the second tubular member. By providing at least one enlarged section on the first member, a close fit with the second tubular member is achieved. This reduces or eliminates any play between the first and second members during sliding, which would cause wobbling, whilst minimising friction in that only (a) small section(s) of the first member is enlarged.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, an upper part of the at least one enlarged section tapers in a direction towards an upper end of the first member and wherein a lower part of the at least one enlarged section forms an abutment. The tapering facilitates downward sliding of the second tubular member to return to its resting position in the hole.

[0017] In an alternative embodiment, the second tubular member comprises a releasable locking mechanism arranged to engage the at least one enlarged section. The releasable locking mechanism enables golfers and greenskeepers to lift the whole flagstick assembly from the hole to allow for easy attending and removal.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the releasable locking mechanism comprises a pair of resilient arms attached to the second tubular member and each comprising a protrusion adapted to engage the abutment on the lower part of the at least one enlarged section through corresponding apertures provided in the second tubular member, wherein the resilient arms are biased towards a first, engaged position by biasing means and may be brought to a second, disengaged position by a force acting against the biasing means. The resilient arms provide a secure and easily actuatable mechanism for locking and releasing the second tubular member.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, the flagstick further comprises a housing slidably arranged on the second tubular member and covering the resilient arms, wherein the housing comprises an inwardly oriented projection arranged to come into contact with the resilient arms and apply a force against the biasing force to disengage the protrusions from the at least one enlarged section when the housing is moved relative to the second tubular member. The housing protects and further facilitates the actuation of the locking mechanism.

[0020] In an alternative embodiment, the cross-section of the sleeve tapers in a direction towards the lower end of the second tubular member and the inner diameter of the central cavity in the ferrule tapers towards the base portion. The tapered configuration facilitates insertion of the second tubular member into the ferrule.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment, the outer surface of the sleeve and the inner surface of the central cavity in the ferrule have corresponding shapes to achieve a rotationally rigid form-fit connection. Preferably, the corresponding shapes comprise a plurality of grooves and projections. This configuration prevents rotation of the second tubular member with respect to the ferrule.

[0022] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit comprising a flagstick according to the first aspect, and a hole cup for a hole on a golf course comprising a ferrule socket arranged to receive the ferrule of the flagstick therein.

Brief description of drawings

[0023] The invention is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a flagstick according to an embodiment of the present invention arranged in a hole cup in a first, lowered configuration;

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a flagstick according to an embodiment of the present invention arranged in a hole cup in a second, raised configuration;

Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 4A and 4B show cross-sectional views of the locking mechanism in different positions during use.

Detailed description of embodiments

[0024] In the following, a detailed description of a flagstick according to the present invention is presented. In the drawing figures, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements throughout the several figures. It will be appreciated that these figures are for illustration only and are not in any way restricting the scope of the invention.

[0025] In Figs. 1 and 2, there is illustrated an embodiment of a flagstick 1 according to the present invention. The flagstick 1 comprises two elongate members, a first member 20, which interchangeably herein may be referred to as a guide rod, and a second tubular member 30, which interchangeably herein may be referred to as a pipe or tube. The outer tubular member 30 is slidably arranged on the guide rod 20 and together they form the main part of the flagstick 1.

[0026] As may be seen from Fig. 1, the flagstick 1 comprises a circular tray 10 with an upper surface which is adapted to receive and support golf balls 2 coming to rest in a hole on a golf course. The tray 10 has a diameter adapted to fit in a hole cup 40 or hole liner arranged in the hole. As explained above, the holes on a golf course must be 4¼ inches (108 mm) in diameter, which means that the diameter of the tray 10 must be less than 4¼ inches (108 mm). In practice, with a hole cup 40 installed, the diameter of the tray 10 will be less than 4 inches (101.6 mm). To prevent the golf balls 2 from rolling off the tray 10 when raised from the hole cup 40, the tray 10 comprises a raised rim 11 extending along its circumference. The rim 11 may be in the form of an edge or wall, at an angle to the upper surface of the tray 10, or formed by a substantially smooth, continuous upward transition of the upper surface as shown in Fig. 1.

[0027] In one embodiment, the transition of the upper surface in a radially outward direction from the centre creates an annular, at least partially concave trough, with a radius of curvature corresponding to the radius of a regulation or conforming golf ball 2, which cannot have a diameter smaller than 1.680 inches (42.67 mm). Thus, the golf balls 2 will lie steady on the tray 10.

[0028] In one embodiment, the tray 10 is formed integrally with the outer tubular member 30. Preferably, however, the tray 10 is separate from the outer tubular member 30 and comprises a central through-going hole 12 delimited by a downwardly extending sleeve 13. The tray 10 is rigidly attached on a lower end 31 of the outer tubular member 30. In one embodiment, the sleeve 13 terminates flush with the lower end 31. Fastening of the tray 10 on the outer tubular member 30 may be achieved by means of a friction fit, form fit, bayonet fit, an adhesive, crimping, fastening means (nails, screws, staples), threading or combinations thereof.

[0029] The Rules of Golf do not place restrictions on the diameter of the flagstick, other than that it must be circular in cross-section, and that padding or shock absorbent material that might unduly influence the movement of the ball is prohibited. However, due to the restrictions on the diameter of the hole (4¼ inches (108 mm)) and the golf ball (1.680 inches (42.67 mm)), a flagstick with a diameter greater than 0.89 inches (22.67 mm) would prevent balls from being holed. The USGA recommends that the diameter of the flagstick be not greater than ¾ inches (19.05 mm) from a point 3 inches (76.2 mm) above the ground to the bottom of the hole. In practice, flagsticks will have a diameter in the range ½-¾ inches (12.7-19.05 mm). Hence, the outer diameter of the outer tubular member 30 may be chosen in the range ½-¾ inches (12.7-19.05 mm). Flagsticks may be of any height, but usually at least 7 feet (2.13 m) tall. The guide rod 20 and the outer tubular member 30 may have substantially the same length. Alternatively, the outer tubular member 30 may be longer than the guide rod 20.

[0030] The lower end 21 of the guide rod 20 is attached to a ferrule 25, more precisely to a base portion 26 of the ferrule 25. Above the base portion 26, the ferrule comprises a central cavity 27 with an inner diameter greater than the diameter of the guide rod 20. The cavity 27 is arranged to receive the lower end 31 of the outer tubular member, or in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the downwardly extending sleeve 13 of the tray 10 when the outer tubular member 30 is slid downwards on the guide rod 20. The diameter of the lower end 31 and/or sleeve 13 is dimensioned to achieve a tight, close fit with the cavity 27 in order to substantially immobilise the tray 10 and the outer tubular member 30 with respect to the ferrule 25 and the guide rod 20 as shown in Fig. 1.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve 13 tapers in a direction away from the tray 10 and the cavity 27 has a corresponding tapering shape. This facilitates insertion and removal of the sleeve 13 into the cavity 27 since the contacting surfaces will then be slightly angled with respect to the insertion/removal direction which reduces the friction. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the sleeve 13 and the inner surface of the central cavity 27 in the ferrule 25 have corresponding shapes to achieve a rotationally rigid form-fit connection, e.g. alternating grooves and lands.

[0032] The ferrule 25 is intended to be inserted in the central bore, also referred to as a ferrule socket 41, of a hole cup 40 or lining in a secure manner so that the flagstick 1 remains in a vertical position. Typically, an upper portion of the ferrule 25 has a greater diameter than the remaining part of the ferrule and forms a rim 28 which acts as a stop against bottom surface 42 of the hole cup 40.

[0033] The tray 10 further comprises a peripheral flange 16 extending downwardly from the raised rim 11, as may be seen in Fig. 2. The flange 16 is adapted to rest against the bottom surface 42 of the hole cup 40 when the flagstick 1 is resting in a hole cup 40 of a hole on a golf course to further stabilise the tray 10 and prevent movement of the tray 10 in relation to the hole cup 40.

[0034] The tray 10 further comprises one or more apertures 18, spaced from the central through-going hole. The apertures 18 are intended to allow water, sand and soil to pass through such that accumulation of debris on the upper surface of the tray 10 is prevented.

[0035] Turning now to Fig. 2, there is shown a cross-sectional view of the flagstick 1 according to the present invention wherein the outer tubular member 30 with the tray 10 has been raised from its initial position resting against the bottom surface 42 in the hole cup 40 and secured in the ferrule 25, to a second position above the surface of the putting green such that the tray 10 and the ball 2 emerge from the hole for convenient retrieval of the golfer.

[0036] As explained above, the flagstick 1 may not comprise padding or shock absorbent material and is usually made of fibreglass or aluminium, optionally with a vinyl cover. Therefore, in one embodiment, the outer tubular member 30 is made of a rigid material chosen from a metal, plastic, polymer, and/or composite materials, preferably Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PC/ABS), a high-impact thermoplastic material which is tough, durable and heat-resistant.

[0037] The outer tubular member 30 has an inner diameter generally greater than the diameter of the guide rod 20 such that a gap is created to reduce friction and facilitate sliding. To eliminate play between the outer tubular member 30 and the guide rod 20, there may be provided at least one enlarged portion or section 22 along the length of the guide rod 20 having an increased outer diameter substantially corresponding to the inner diameter of the outer tubular member 30. An upper part of this enlarged section 22 is preferably formed with a gradual increase of the diameter providing a smooth transition from the guide rod 20, i.e. in the direction towards the lower end 21. The opposite lower part of the enlarged section 22 may instead be formed as a shoulder or abutment 23 providing an abrupt change in the diameter from the guide rod 20. Preferably, the guide rod 20 comprises a plurality of enlarged sections 22 distributed along its length starting from its upper end.

[0038] Turning now to Fig. 3, there is shown in a cross-sectional view a releasable locking mechanism 35 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The locking mechanism 35 is arranged to prevent the outer tubular member 30 from sliding relative the guide rod 20. To this end, the locking mechanism 35 comprises a pair of resilient arms 36 attached to the outer tubular member 30. In the embodiment shown, the resilient arms 36 are attached by means of hinges 33 on a sleeve 38 arranged to be fastened to the outer tubular member 30. In a lower end of the respective resilient arms 36, there is provided a protrusion or hook 37 which is adapted to engage the enlarged section(s) 22 of the guide rod 20 through apertures 32 arranged on the outer tubular member 30. In one embodiment, shown in Fig. 3, the upper and lower end of the resilient arms 36 are angled with respect to each other such that upper end extends out from the sleeve 38 when the protrusion 37 in the lower end engages the enlarged section 22. This provides a lever for actuation of the resilient arms to release the locking mechanism 35 from engagement with the guide rod 20.

[0039] Biasing means 39 are provided, e.g. in the shape of coil springs 39 arranged near an upper end of the resilient arms 36, to bias the resilient arms 36 towards a first, engaged position. Other biasing means may also be used, such as twist springs, disc springs, leaf springs and/or rubber bands arranged below or above the centre of rotation defined by the hinges 33, providing either a tension or compression, respectively, on the resilient arms 36 to bias the protrusions 37 into engagement with the enlarged section 22 of the guide rod.

[0040] In one embodiment, the protrusions 37 abut against the abutment 23 to prevent sliding in the upward direction, whereas the smooth transition in the upper part of the enlarged section 22 acting on oblique surfaces of the protrusions 37 pushes the resilient arms 36 outwards against the biasing force of the springs 39 to enable sliding in the downward direction. As such, when someone (golfers, greenskeepers etc.) attempts to lift the outer tubular member 30, the whole flagstick assembly 1, including the guide rod 20 with the ferrule 25 attached, will be lifted together as one entity. This is useful in cases where the golfer prefers the flagstick 1 to be attended or removed when playing a stroke on the putting green, or when a greenskeeper moves the hole on the putting green to reduce wear and tear around the hole.

[0041] To release the locking mechanism 35, the upper end of the resilient arms 36 may be pressed inwards to overcome the biasing force and pivot the resilient arms 36 about the hinges 33 such that the protrusions 37 are disengaged from the enlarged section 22. In this second, disengaged position, the outer tubular member 30 is free to slide in both directions relative to the guide rod 20 and the golfer may raise the outer tubular member 30 together with the tray 10 to a convenient height for retrieval of holed golf balls 2.

[0042] In Figs. 4A and 4B, a further preferred embodiment of the locking mechanism 35 is illustrated. Here, a housing 50 is slidably arranged on the outer tubular member 30 covering the resilient arms 36. The housing 50 is substantially cylindrical in shape and tapers towards its end sections 51, 52. The housing 50 is hollow, presenting a cavity 53 with a length exceeding the length of the sleeve 38. In the tapering end sections 51, 52, the housing 50 is solid with a cylindrical through going hole having a diameter substantially corresponding to the outer diameter of the outer tubular member 30, i.e. smaller than the outer diameter of the sleeve 38. As such, the difference in length of the sleeve 38 and the cavity 53 define the limits of axial motion between the housing 50 and the outer tubular member 30. At about the centre of the housing 50, there is provided a radially inwardly oriented, ring-shaped projection 54, facing the resilient arms 36. The housing 50 may be formed of two pieces to be joined together during mounting on the outer tubular member 30.

[0043] In Fig. 4A, the housing 50 is shown in a lower position wherein the upper end section 51 rests against the upper end of the sleeve 38. In this lower position, the projection 54 is substantially aligned with the hinges 33 and the resilient arms 36 are biased towards the first, engaged position wherein the protrusions 37 engage the abutment 23 of the enlarged section 22. Hence, the outer tubular member 30 is locked and may not be slid upwardly relative to the guide rod 20.

[0044] In Fig. 4B, the housing 50 is shown in an upper or raised position wherein the lower end section 52 abuts against the lower end of the sleeve 38. In this raised position, the projection 54 has been moved upwardly to depress the resilient arms 36 inwardly against the biasing force of the springs 39 and pivot the arms 36 about the hinges 33 to disengage the protrusions 37 from the abutment 23. Now the outer tubular member 30 is free to slide relative to the guide rod 20 and further upwards lifting of the housing 50 will slide the outer tubular member 30 due to the abutment of the lower end section 52 against the sleeve 38 which in turn is attached to the outer tubular member 30. This abutment also ensures that the projection 54 will remain aligned with and depressing the upper ends of the resilient arms 36 to keep the locking mechanism 35 in the second, disengaged position.

[0045] With the housing 50 surrounding and protecting as well as actuating the releasable locking mechanism 35, handling of the flagstick assembly 1 is greatly facilitated; lifting by holding the housing 50 will disengage the locking mechanism 35 as explained above and enable sliding, such that only the outer tubular member 30 is lifted, whereas lifting when holding any other portion of the outer tubular member 30 will leave the locking mechanism 35 engaged to prevent sliding, such that the whole flagstick assembly 1 is lifted.

[0046] Preferred embodiments of a flagstick which facilitates removing golf balls from a hole on a golf course according to the invention have been described. However, the person skilled in the art realises that this can be varied within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the inventive idea.

[0047] All the described alternative embodiments above or parts of an embodiment can be freely combined or employed separately from each other without departing from the inventive idea as long as the combination is not contradictory.

Claims

1. A flagstick (1) for use in conjunction with a hole cup (40) in a hole on a golf course and having a ferrule socket (41), the flagstick (1) comprising:

- a first elongate member (20) and a second elongate tubular member (30) slidably arranged on the first member (20);

- a ferrule (25) fastened to a lower end (21) of the first member (20) and arranged to be inserted into the ferrule socket (41), the ferrule (25) comprising a base portion (26) arranged to secure the lower end (21) of the first member (20), and a central cavity (27) having a diameter greater than the diameter of the first member (20) and arranged to receive a lower end (31) of the second tubular member (30); and

- a circular tray (10) with a diameter adapted to fit in the hole cup (40), wherein the tray (10) comprises an upwardly raised rim (11) extending along the circumference of the tray, wherein the tray (10) is rigidly attached to the lower end (31) of the second tubular member (30), and

wherein an outer diameter of the lower end (31) of the second tubular member (30) corresponds to an inner diameter of the central cavity (27) of the ferrule (25).

2. The flagstick (1) according to claim 1, wherein an outer diameter of the first member (20) is chosen such that a gap between the first member (20) and the second tubular member (30) is created, wherein the first member (20) further comprises at least one enlarged section (22) having a diameter substantially corresponding to an inner diameter of the second tubular member (30).

3. The flagstick (1) according to claim 2, wherein an upper part of the at least one enlarged section (22) tapers in a direction towards an upper end of the first member (20) and wherein a lower part of the at least one enlarged section (22) forms an abutment (23).

4. The flagstick (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second tubular member (30) comprises a releasable locking mechanism (35) arranged to engage the at least one enlarged section (22) of the first member (20).

5. The flagstick (1) according to claim 4, wherein the releasable locking mechanism (35) comprises a pair of resilient arms (36) attached to the second tubular member (30) and each comprising a protrusion (37) adapted to engage a lower end of the at least one enlarged section (22) through corresponding apertures (32) provided in the second tubular member (30), wherein the resilient arms (36) are biased towards a first, engaged position by biasing means (39) and may be brought to a second, disengaged position by a force acting against the biasing means (39).

6. The flagstick (1) according to claim 5, further comprising a housing (50) slidably arranged on the second tubular member (30) and covering the resilient arms (36), wherein the housing comprises an inwardly oriented projection (54) arranged to come into contact with the resilient arms (36) and apply a force against the biasing force to disengage the protrusions (37) from the at least one enlarged section (22) when the housing (50) is moved relative to the second tubular member (30).

7. The flagstick (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tray (10) comprises a central through-going hole (12) delimited by a downwardly extending sleeve (13), and wherein an outer diameter of the sleeve (13) corresponds to the inner diameter of the central cavity (27) of the ferrule (25).

8. The flagstick (1) according to claim 7, wherein the cross-section of the sleeve (13) tapers in a direction towards the lower end (31) of the second tubular member (30) and the inner diameter of the central cavity (27) in the ferrule (25) tapers towards the base portion (26).

9. The flagstick (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the outer surface of the sleeve (13) and the inner surface of the central cavity (27) in the ferrule (25) have corresponding shapes to achieve a rotationally rigid form-fit connection.

10. A kit comprising a flagstick (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and a hole cup (40) for a hole on a golf course comprising a ferrule socket (41) arranged to receive the ferrule (25) of the flagstick (1) therein.

Drawing