Hitting the pin in golf used to be a nerve-wracking mistake, but thanks to a major rule change, it can now be a smart play. This guide will walk you through exactly what happens when your ball hits the flagstick, the new rules you need to know, and the strategies for using the pin to your advantage on both putts and chips. We'll cover when to leave it in, when to take it out, and what to do in those oddball situations where the ball gets stuck.
For decades, the simple sound of a ball hitting the flagstick from the putting green was followed by a groan of frustration. It was an automatic penalty, a rule ingrained in the mind of every golfer. But in 2019, golf's governing bodies, the USGA and R&A, introduced one of the most significant and player-friendly rule changes in modern history.
Under the new Rule 13.2a(2), there is no penalty if a ball played from anywhere on the course hits the flagstick left in the hole. This applies whether you are putting, chipping from the fringe, pitching from the rough, or even blasting out of a greenside bunker. Not only can you leave the flagstick in, but you can also do it intentionally. There’s no need to ask if your playing partners want it in or out, you have the right to leave the flagstick in the hole if you choose.
The old rule stated that if you played from the putting green and your ball struck an unattended flagstick, you incurred a two-stroke penalty in stroke play or loss of hole in match play. This forced golfers into the ritual of having someone "tend the pin" on longer putts or removing it for every short putt, which often slowed the pace of play. The 2019 change completely eliminated this penalty, aiming to simplify the rules and speed up the game. This shift has unlocked a whole new layer of strategy around the greens.
Just because you can leave the pin in doesn't always mean you should. The decision has become a polarizing topic in clubhouses everywhere, with Traditionalists and Modernists each making good points. As a coach, I see it less as a black-and-white issue and more as a strategic choice that depends on the situation, the putt, and the player. Let's break down the pros and cons.
As a general guideline, here are the situations where leaving the pin in offers a distinct advantage:
When you move off the putting surface, the strategic math changes dramatically. For chipping, pitching, and even greenside bunker shots, I coach my players to leave the pin in nearly 100% of the time.
Why the strong stance? Because you have significantly less control over a ball's speed and release when it’s flying through the air and landing on the green compared to a putt rolling on the surface. Here's why the pin becomes a massive asset:
The only potential downside is the extremely rare case where a perfectly flown shot hits rattled out. However, the probability of the flagstick helping your shot is vastly higher han the probability of it hurting. It's a calculated risk heavily in your favor.
It’s one of the weirdest-looking results in golf. Your shot hits the pin, dives down, but doesn't fully drop to the bottom, instead getting wedged between the side of the hole and the flagstick. Is it holed? Do you play it?
The rules are very clear and player-friendly here. Rule 13.2c states that if any part of your ball is in the hole below the surface of the green, the ball is considered holed. It doesn't need to be resting at the bottom of the cup. As a mental picture, think of the putting surface as a flat plane. The moment your ball breaks that plane and is inside the cylinder of the hole, it is officially holed, even if it's leaning against the stick. You can simply pick it up and mark down your score.
In the highly unlikely event the ball gets trapped between the pin and the edge of the hole but is *still entirely above the ground*, it is not yet holed. Rule 13.3b says you can move or remove the flagstick. If the ball then falls into the hole, it is holed with your last stroke.
What happens if you hit the pin is no longer a question of penalty, but one of strategy. Knowing it's always legal opens up ways to be more aggressive with your short game and better control your speed on lightning-fast putts. Don't be afraid to experiment to find out what works best for you and gives you the most confidence around the greens.
This kind of situational awareness is built shot by shot and having an experienced caddie by your side makes a huge difference. To help you make smarter decisions in situations like these, Caddie AI acts as your personal on-course expert. When you're facing a tough decision and you're unsure whether to use the pin, we give you an instant, smart recommendation for that exact scenario. Our features take the guesswork out of golf, giving you the clarity and confidence to commit to the right shot every time.
Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.
A golf handicap does more than just give you bragging rights (or a reason to demand strokes from your friends) - it’s the game’s great equalizer and the single best way to track your improvement. This guide breaks down what a handicap is, how the supportive math behind a handicap index a is, and exactly how you can get one for yourself. We’ll look at everything from Course Rating to Adjusted Gross Score, helping you feel confident both on the course and in the clubhouse.
The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.
Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.
The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.
Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i
Just ask a question or share a photo and Caddie gives personalized guidance for every shot - anytime, anywhere.
