The moment you step onto the green, you're faced with a simple question that used to have a very different answer: Should the flagstick stay in the hole or come out? Since the rules changed back in 2019, this has become one of golf’s great modern debates. This article will walk you through exactly what the rule is now, the real strategic pros and cons of leaving the pin in, and how you can decide what’s best for your game and each specific putt.
The best AI golf app: Caddie is your personal AI golf coach. Get expert-level golf advice instantly, 24/7 to help you play like a pro. Try it free →
Understanding the Rule Change: The Old vs. The New
For decades, the answer to the flagstick question was automatic. If your ball, played from on the putting green, struck the unattended flagstick in the hole, you were penalized two strokes. This rule was deeply ingrained in the game, conditioning generations of golfers to always have the pin removed or attended before putting. It was a simple, no-exceptions penalty that everyone knew to avoid.
However, in an effort to simplify the Rules of Golf and speed up play, a major update went into effect in 2019. Under the new Rule 13.2a(2), this penalty was completely eliminated. The new rule states:
You now have the choice to putt with the flagstick left in the hole.
If you make a stroke from the putting green and your ball hits the flagstick, there is no penalty. The ball is to be played as it lies.
This simple change opened up a new dimension of putting strategy. Suddenly, the flagstick wasn't just a marker for the hole’s location, it became a potential tool that could help or hurt your chances of sinking a putt.
Get pro-level golf advice instantly, 24/7
Ask Caddie anything. From “what club should I use?” to “how do I play this shot?” and get instant answers.
The Big Question: Should You Leave the Flagstick In?
With no risk of a penalty, the decision to leave the flagstick in or pull it out is now purely strategic. There isn't a universally "correct" answer, it often comes down to the situation and personal preference. The best players approach it by weighing the potential benefits against the risks. Let's look at both sides.
The Case for Leaving It In (The Pros)
Many amateur and professional golfers, most famously Bryson DeChambeau, have embraced putting with the pin in. Here’s why it can be a smart move:
It Serves as a Backstop: This is the number one reason. On a slick, downhill putt or a long lag putt where you’re prioritizing distance control, a ball hit a little too firmly can strike the pin and drop in or at least stop much closer to the hole than it would have otherwise. It acts as a safety net, potentially turning a disastrous four-putt into a simple tap-in.
It Enhances Target Focus: For some players, the visual of a wide-open hole can feel ambiguous. The flagstick provides a sharp, thin, and very specific target to focus on. This can help quiet the mind, improve alignment, and encourage a more single-minded focus on the line. It turns a general target into a precise point.
It Can Speed Up Play: In a friendly game, when playing solo, or when your partners are far from the green, leaving the pin in is simply more efficient. There’s no need to wait for someone to walk over and tend the flag. This keeps the rhythm of the round flowing, which is what the rules committee was aiming for.
The Chance of a "Good Bounce": While hard to quantify, a ball that might have lipped out on the high side can sometimes catch the inside of the flagstick and dive into the hole. It's not something you can plan for, but when it happens, it feels like a stolen birdie and provides a huge mental boost.
The Case for Taking It Out (The Cons)
Despite the potential advantages, the majority of tour professionals still have the flagstick removed for most of their putts, especially from close range. Here are the main reasons why taking it out is often the preferred choice:
The Risk of a Bad Bounce: This is the biggest drawback. The flagstick can be a cruel opponent. A perfectly rolled putt that strikes the stick dead-center can easily bounce straight back or ricochet sideways out of the hole. The material and thickness of the pin can make this a bigger risk. A modern fiberglass pin might "pop" the ball out more than an older, thinner metal one. You introduce an element of luck that you don't have with an open cup.
A Smaller Target Area: An open golf hole is 4.25 inches in diameter. When you leave the flagstick in (which is about 0.5 inches in diameter), you reduce the available space for the ball to enter. For a putt coming in from the side with dying speed, that stick in the middle can be enough of an obstruction to keep the ball from falling. Taking it out gives you the full, unimpeded diameter of the hole to work with.
The Mental Block: Tradition is powerful in golf. Many players who learned the game under the old rule just can't shake the feeling that putting with the pin in is "wrong." Seeing it there can create visual clutter and a whisper of doubt in the back of your mind. A confident putting stroke requires full commitment, and for some, that's only possible when looking at an open hole.
Green and Cup Integrity: This is more of an etiquette point. Constantly having golf balls jam into the base of the flagstick can chip away at the edges of the cup over time. A nice, clean edge is important for a true roll. By carefully removing the pin, you help preserve the quality of the putting surface for all the groups that come after you.
How to Decide: Crafting Your Personal Putting Strategy
Since there are compelling arguments for both sides, the right choice for you will change from putt to putt. Building a consistent strategy involves evaluating the shot in front of you and knowing your own tendencies as a player.
Consider the Putt Itself
Don't make your decision on the tee box. Wait until you're on the green and can analyze the situation:
Long Putts (Over 30 feet): This is a prime time to leave the pin in. From this distance, your main goal is lag putting - getting the ball into a small circle around the hole. The flagstick serves as an excellent visual guide for distance and acts as that valuable backstop if you get a little too aggressive.
Short Putts (Inside 10-15 feet): On shorter putts, the risk of a bad bounce often outweighs the benefits. Most players prefer to have the pin out here to give themselves the entire space of the hole to use. Confidence is high from this range, and the backstop isn’t as necessary.
Downhill, Speedy Putts: This is perhaps the best time to leave the flagstick in, regardless of distance. When you know the ball is going to be rolling quickly, the pin is your best friend preventing it from racing 8 feet past the hole. It encourages a more confident stroke because you have that safety measure.
Breaking Putts: Think about where your ball is going to enter the hole. If you have a big right-to-left break and you play it to die into the left side of the cup (the “pro side”), the pin could get in the way. However, if you play it more firmly to a spot straight up the hill, the pin can help slow the ball down and guide it in.
Think About Your Game and Psychology
The best strategy also fits your personal style.
Are you an aggressive or a delicate putter? If your putting style involves hitting the ball firmly toward the back of the cup, you will likely benefit more from the backstop effect. If your goal is to have the ball just "die" at the front lip of the hole, the pin is more likely to be an obstruction.
Find out what gives you confidence. The mental part of putting is everything. Go to a practice green. Hit 20 putts from 20 feet with the flag in. Then hit another 20 with it out. Don't just count the putts made - pay attention to how you feel. Which one makes it easier for you to see the line and feel confident in your stroke? Your own experience is your best guide.
Notice the equipment. Is the flagstick leaning because of the wind? A tilted pin can dramatically change how the ball reacts. As mentioned before, a thicker fiberglass pin presents a different kind of obstacle than a thin metal one. Pay attention to the conditions.
Plan every shot like a pro
Describe your situation and Caddie AI helps you pick your target, shot shape, and club with confidence.
Because the choice is now personal, communication with your playing partners is important. You want to make sure your choice doesn't interfere with their process or vice versa.
Always ask first. Before you or your playing partner putts, it’s good practice to ask, "Do you want the pin in or out?" It’s a simple courtesy that keeps everyone on the same page.
The player farthest away makes the call. Golf etiquette dictates that the person whose turn it is to play gets to decide whether the pin stays or goes for their shot.
Handle the flagstick with care. If you are removing the flagstick for someone else, never toss or drop it on the ground. This might create an indent on the green and affect another player's putt. Lay it down gently in a place that isn't in anybody's line of play.
Be a good "tender": When tending the flag for another golfer, ensure you are stationary so your shadow isn't over their ball or line, and be ready to pull the pin from the hole as soon as the ball is struck to make sure it's completely clear of the way.
Play Golf like a Pro with Caddie
Learn and improve your golf game as you play. Get pro-level tips, strategy and guidance anytime.
Understanding the rules and building a strategy for every part of your game might separate the amateur from the pro. Learning the intricacies of golf etiquette and rules is an essential part of mastering the game. Make informed decisions and always communicate with your fellow players to ensure a smooth and enjoyable round of golf.
Spencer has been playing golf since he was a kid and has spent a lifetime chasing improvement. With over a decade of experience building successful tech products, he combined his love for golf and startups to create Caddie AI - the world's best AI golf app. Giving everyone an expert level coach in your pocket, available 24/7. Caddie's mission is simple: make world-class golf advice accessible to everyone, anytime.
Other posts you might like
Can You Golf in Iowa?
Thinking about golfing in Iowa might conjure images of teeing off between rows of corn, but the reality is surprisingly different and wonderfully diverse. You absolutely can have an incredible golf experience in the Hawkeye State, you just need to know where to look and how to prepare. This article will guide you through Iowa's unique golf landscape, help you navigate its distinct seasons, and offer some coaching tips to master its courses so you can play your best golf here.
Ever hit a tee shot so far sideways you wished you could just put another ball on the tee and pretend it never happened? We’ve all been there. Knowing when you can actually do that, according to the Rules of Golf, can save you strokes and a lot of on-course stress. This guide will walk you through exactly when you can re-tee your shot - sometimes for a penalty, and in very rare cases, for free - so you can handle any mishit with confidence.
How Close Can a Golf Hole Be to the Edge of the Green?
Ever face a pin tucked so close to the edge you felt personally victimized by the course superintendent? We’ve all been there, staring at a sliver of green between the flagstick and a deep bunker, wondering if the placement is even legal. This article will explain the official guidelines for hole locations, why they are placed where they are, and most importantly, give you a practical game plan for how to navigate these challenging situations with confidence.
A standard foam golf ball, when hit by an average golfer, will travel about 40% to 50% of the distance of a real golf ball. This means if you typically hit your 7-iron 150 yards, you can expect a well-struck foam ball to go about 60 to 75 yards. But how far is only part of the story. This article will show you what factors influence that distance, how to use these limited-flight balls to seriously improve your swing, and what to look for when choosing the right type of foam ball for your practice sessions.
Hitting a 300-yard drive is the benchmark for power in golf, yet very few players can confidently say they’ve done it. This article breaks down exactly how rare that feat is and gives you a clear, step-by-step guide to help you get there. We’ll cover the physics, the technique, and the practice required to unlock your true distance potential.
Your golf grip might be the single biggest reason you’re hitting that dreaded slice. That weak, curving shot to the right (for a right-handed player) sends stomach-sinking disappointment through so many golfers, but the fix often starts before you even begin your swing. This article will show you exactly how to diagnose if your grip is the culprit behind your slice and provide a clear, step-by-step guide to build a powerful, neutral grip that will help you start hitting straighter, more controlled shots.
