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!

Answer 1

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.