Holding the pin and putting?

Question:I was in a golf tourney last year (stroke play) and one of my foursome had put his approach about 2 inches from the hole. He walked up to the flag, pulled the pin and tapped it in. While it was fine with me, one of the other members claimed it was a violation and a penalty.
So I got out my R&A Rules of Golf and have been searching for this rule specifically. And I can't find it.
So the question is: What specific rule and what specific rule number was violated in this case?

Please don't just say it's a violation, because I think you are probably right, but show me where you found the ruling. (It's probably a two shot penalty.)

Thanks!

Answers:

Who are some importers of clone golf clubs?

From USGA rules of golf

17-1/5 Holding Flagstick with One Hand and Putting with Other Hand


Q. A player holds the flagstick with one hand and holes a short putt, gripping the putter with his other hand. Is this permissible?

A. Yes, provided the flagstick has been removed from the hole and the ball therefore does not strike it. If the ball were to strike the flagstick, a breach of Rule 17-3a would occur.

---

More Questions & Answers...

What color shirt will Tiger wear?

What is the point of golf? i can never understand what people get out of it?

Which are the best golf shoes?

Where is the wachovia golf tournament held?

Do the PGA and LPGA have the same course?

Teaching 10 yr old son to GOLF?

How do you back flip on cart sufuring?

Golf improvement?

Who was the shortest golfer and who was the tallest golfer to win the Masters golf tourney?

Can anyone recommend a good ladies' golf bag...?

What is the difference between the taylormade r580xd driver and the R580xd driver? Notice the small r & big R