Can You Hit the Flag in Golf?

You’re standing over a crucial chip or a long putt, and the only thing between your ball and the bottom of the cup is the flagstick. The big question pops into your head: Do I need to have it pulled? The short answer is no, you are absolutely allowed to hit the flagstick. This article will explain the official rule, walk through the strategy of when you should (and shouldn't) leave the pin in, and cover the on-course etiquette to keep your group happy.

First, The Simple Answer: The Rulebook is on Your Side

Let's get the most important part out of the way immediately. According to the modern Rules of Golf, specifically Rule 13.2a(2), there is no penalty if your ball hits the unattended flagstick in the hole. This is true whether you are putting from on the green, chipping from the fringe, or even hitting a full shot from 200 yards away in the fairway. If your amazing shot from the fairway flies directly into the cup and hits the flagstick on its way in, congratulations! You’ve made an incredible eagle or ace, and there is no penalty stroke.

This has been one of the most significant and player-friendly rule changes in recent golf history, implemented in 2019. The intention was to simplify the game and, most importantly, speed up the pace of play. However, because generations of golfers played under the old rule, there's still a lot of confusion and old habits that linger on the course. To understand why your playing partners might seem hesitant, it helps to know what the rule used to be.

A Quick Look Back: Why Golfers Used to Fear the Flag

Before 2019, hitting the flagstick with a putt from the green was a painful mistake. Under the old rules, if you played a stroke from the putting green and your ball struck the flagstick while it was still in the hole, you incurred a two-stroke penalty (or loss of hole in match play). It was a frustrating and, for many, a nonsensical penalty. Why should a player be punished for hitting a good putt that found the target?

This led to the familiar routine of golfers needing to either have the pin "tended" (held by another player and pulled out as the ball approached) or removed from the hole completely before they putted. Hitting the stick from off the green was fine, but the moment you were on the putting surface, that flagstick became a penalty waiting to happen. This history is why you’ll still see many seasoned golfers instinctively moving to pull the pin, even for a tap-in. They have years of conditioning telling them the flagstick is the enemy!

The Real Question: Should You Hit the Flag? The Strategic Debate

This is where we move past the rulebook and into the art of playing smart golf. Just because the rules allow you to leave the pin in, does it actually help you make more putts? As a coach, I'll tell you there's no single right answer. The correct decision depends on the situation, the type of shot, and your personal psychology. Let’s break down the advantages and disadvantages.

Three Reasons to Proudly Leave the Pin IN

Leaving the flagstick in is not just for speeding up play, it can be a genuine strategic advantage in several common scenarios. Think of it as another tool at your disposal.

• The Downhill Speed Trap: You're facing a lightning-fast putt from above the hole. Your main fear isn't missing, it's tapping the ball and watching it roll 12 feet past, leaving a terrifying comeback putt. In this case, the flagstick is your best friend. It acts as a backstop. A firm putt that might have raced by the edge of the cup will often be slowed down or stopped entirely by the pin, settling just inches away. It gives you the confidence to putt with better pace, knowing you have a safety net.
• The Long-Distance Target: From 40, 50, or 60 feet away, trying to focus on a 4.25-inch hole can feel impossible. The bright, tall flagstick provides a much more significant and easier-to-see target. It simplifies your alignment and helps your brain lock onto a destination. Many players find they judge the line much better when aiming for the stick from a distance rather than an almost-invisible hole.
• Personal Confidence and Feel: This one is purely psychological, but it matters. Some golfers simply feel more confident putting at a physical target. The goal becomes "hit the stick" instead of "fall in the hole." This aggressive, target-oriented mindset can free up the putting stroke and lead to more decisive, better-rolled putts. If leaving the stick in makes you feel more comfortable, then that's the right choice for you.

Three Reasons You Might Want the Pin OUT

Of course, the old tradition of taking the pin out still has plenty of merit. There a few important reasons why you might want a clear, unobstructed view of the cup.

• The Dreaded Bounce-Out: This is the primary argument against leaving the pin in. While modern flagsticks are designed to be thinner at the base and absorb more energy, there's always a chance - especially with a firmly struck putt - that the ball hits the stick dead-center and bounces back out of the hole. It's rare, but when it happens, it's infuriating. If your putt has a lot of pace on it, there is definitely a higher risk of a bounce-out than with a putt that is dying into the hole.
• More Room for Error: Physics doesn't lie. A flagstick takes up space inside the cup, effectively making the hole smaller. When you remove the pin, you give your ball the full 4.25 inches of diameter to fall into. For a putt that is just catching the edge of the hole at a slow speed, having that open space might be the difference between it dropping in and lipping out.
• Delicate Shots From the Fringe: When you’re chipping or pitching from just off the green, your goal is often to land the ball softly and let it release gently toward the hole. Hitting the flagstick directly can cause an unpredictable ricochet and kill the ball's momentum stone dead. Many skilled players prefer to take the pin out for these delicate touch shots, so they can use the entire hole and let the ball roll naturally.

On-Course Etiquette: How to Play Nicely With Others

Since this rule is still relatively new, and players have different preferences, good communication within your group is essential to keeping the game friendly and moving along. Following these simple etiquette guidelines will make you a favorite playing partner a lot of problems.

1. Just Ask!

When you get to the green, a simple question like, "Are we leaving it in?" or "Pin in or out for you?" solves almost every issue. It shows respect for your fellow players' preferences and gets everyone on the same page.

2. The Closest Player Tends the Pin

Traditionally, the player whose ball is closest to the hole is responsible for managing the flagstick. If another player is putting from a distance and wants the pin pulled, the closest player should be the one to tend it. Before you touch the flag, make sure everyone in your group is ready for you to do so.

3. Be Careful with the Green

When you do remove the flagstick, don't just drop it on the putting surface. This can scar the green or create an indentation that might deflect someone's putt. Gently lay the flagstick down off the green in a spot where it won’t interfere with anyone’s shot or walking path.

4. Don't Cast a Shadow or Stand in the Line

When you're tending the pin for someone else, be mindful of where your body is. Make sure your shadow is not cast over their putting line or the hole itself. Stand still, off to the side, and well away from their line of sight. As soon as their ball is on its way, pull the pin out of the hole smoothly and step away.

Final Thoughts

So, can you hit the flag in golf? We've established that the rules definitively say yes, without any penalty. The bigger picture, however, is that you now have a strategic choice to make on every shot around the green - a choice that didn't exist for golfers just a few years ago.

Understanding when to use the flagstick as a backstop or a target, and when to get it out of the way for a delicate shot, takes practice and sharp self-awareness. Having an expert opinion can remove all that uncertainty. What I think is amazing is how our personalized app, Caddie AI, can act as that instant, on-course consultant. If you're stuck between clubs on an approach or wondering about the smartest play on a tricky par-3, you can get a clear, simple strategy right in your pocket. The whole idea is to take the guesswork out of these key moments, so you can play with more confidence and enjoy the game more.