HOLLAND, MI – Golf course protocol created by the COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the following fact: More and more golfers have not only become accustomed to putting with the flagstick in the hole, they now prefer it.
And that makes a product like Golf Ball Tender even more critical regarding golf course conditioning.
Millions of recreational golfers, and even some on the professional tours, have taken full advantage of the USGA rules change last year that allows putting with the flagstick remaining in the hole. And most courses have required keeping the flagstick in the hole due to COVID-19.
One unforeseen pitfall of the new rule, however, is that cup edges are becoming frayed because players are reaching into the tighter space for their golf balls. But now there is a solution.
The Golf Ball Tender is a pliable disk that attaches to the stem of the flagstick, resting at the bottom of the cup. Players simply lift the flagstick to retrieve the ball. The Golf Ball Tender is not visible until the flagstick is pulled from the hole. What’s more, Golf Ball Tender helps protect the green from damage caused by carelessly dropping the flagstick on the green, and also acts as a guide when replacing the pin in the hole.
It also provides a better look than the “loops” some courses have been placing in their cups, and is certainly more durable. And when the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us, the Golf Ball Tender will still very much be a viable product.
“The rule and the protocols helped pace of play but often at the cost of crisp edges on the hole, especially when you consider that nearly 50% of golfers now putt with the flagstick in,” said Larry Koning, inventor of the Golf Ball Tender. “In addition to indirectly encouraging players to reach down with two fingers, the new rule increases the frequency of players attempting to “pop” the ball out of the hole by yanking out the flag. These harmful techniques cause damage, which negatively impacts the experience for subsequent players. The Golf Ball Tender makes ball retrieval faster and more convenient, easier for elderly and enhances pace of play as the new rule intended.”
Golf Ball tender is made of a soft rubberized pliable material that will not damage the greens, unlike other 
products on the market. It fits all flagsticks and snaps on in seconds. No disassembling of the flagstick is necessary.
The company recently added the COVID Clip, which eliminates the need to touch the flagstick. The COVID Clip attaches near the bottom of the flagstick, raising the Golf Ball Tender to a height from which the ball is easily retrieved from the hole.
There is one other important benefit resulting from using The Golf Ball Tender. Players no longer have to bend over the retrieve their ball from the cup.
“Back problems are common among golfers,” said Koning. “Bending over to get your ball out of the cup adds to this problem. With our product, that issue is eliminated.”
The Golf Ball Tender is available in custom colors. A set of 18 starts at $215. For more information or to purchase a set, visit www.golfballtender.com, or call 800-471-1345.
Company Contact:
Larry Koning
Golf Ball Tender
616-392-5926, Ext. 104
LarryK@lsmold.com
Media Contact:
Jennifer Dixon
407-474-0531
