It was a high wedge that was on the pin the whole time. It made a loud sound when it hit the flag and the ball disappeared. Although hoping it was in the hole I assumed the ball had kicked hard and we didn't see it. Approaching the green I expected to see it on the ground behind a mound where it was hidden from the tee. As I walked up there appeared to be a ball in the rough at that spot. As I got closer I realized it was not a ball. After I didn't notice it elsewhere I looked in the cup and happily discovered my golf ball.