The 2019 flagstick rule was one of the biggest changes in modern golf, and for good reason - it directly affects every player on every single green. Understanding this simple rule change isn't just about avoiding a penalty anymore, it’s a strategic choice you can use to your advantage on the course. This article breaks down exactly what the new flagstick rule says, why it was implemented, and provides a clear coaching guide to help you decide when to leave the pin in or take it out to save strokes on the green.
Let's start by looking at what changed. Before 2019, the rules were strict and, for many, a bit confusing. If you made a stroke from on the putting green and your ball ended up hitting an unattended flagstick still in the hole, you'd be hit with a two-stroke penalty. This led to the routine of having one player "tend" the pin for others, often slowing down the round.
The updated rules did away with all of that. Under the new Rule 13.2a(2), everything is much simpler. Here is the lowdown:
Simply put, the default option is no longer to pull the pin for every putt. You now have a strategic choice to make based on the situation, not based on avoiding a penalty.
The governing bodies of golf - the USGA and the R&A - don’t change rules on a whim. This update was part of a much larger effort to modernize the game, and it was driven by two primary factors: speeding up play and simplifying the rules.
This was arguably the biggest motivation for the change. Think about the time it takes for a foursome to putt out on a green. Without this rule, the process often involved one player walking to the pin, removing the flag, walking it to the edge of the green, waiting for everyone to finish, then walking back to replace it. For players putting from a long distance, someone else would need to tend the pin and remove it just as the ball approached.
By allowing players to leave the pin in, much of that extra movement is eliminated. A player can walk up to their ball and putt, then the next player can do the same. Shaving just a minute or two off every green adds up significantly over 18 holes, leading to faster, more enjoyable rounds for everyone.
The Rules of Golf have a reputation for being complicated, and Rule 17-3 (the old flagstick rule) was a prime example. The update makes it much more intuitive. Now, players can focus on their putt without worrying about a procedural penalty.
Furthermore, old-school wisdom always held that the pin would repel more putts than it helped. However, studies and extensive testing, notably by putting gurus like Dave Pelz and the USGA's own research team, found this wasn't necessarily true. They discovered that with modern, thinner fiberglass flagsticks (as opposed to thick, older-style metal pins), the flagstick can often act as a 'backstop'. It can absorb some of the ball's energy on a putt that’s a little too firm, causing it to drop into the cup when it might have otherwise run past. The data showed that the pin was more likely to help than hurt, giving the rule change a valid, performance-based justification.
Now for the most important part: how do you use this rule to your advantage? Deciding whether to leave the flagstick in or pull it out is not a one-size-fits-all situation. It depends on the distance of the putt, the break, and your personal confidence. Here is a coach's framework to help you make the right call.
Recommendation: Almost always leave it in.
On a long lag putt, your primary goal isn't necessarily to make it, it’s to manage your speed and get the ball into kick-in range, that three-foot "circle of friendship" around the hole. The flagstick gives you two tremendous advantages here:
Recommendation: Player's preference, but lean towards "in".
This is where confidence and comfort come into play. Many golfers have spent their entire lives putting at an open cup from this distance, and if seeing the whole hole gives you a better mental image, then stick with what works for you. However, there are still compelling reasons to leave the pin in:
Recommendation: Often best to pull it out.
From this distance, confidence is everything, and the mental side of putting takes over. For a short, "must-make" putt, you want the largest possible target and zero distractions.
Recommendation: Always leave it in.
When you're chipping with a wedge or putting with a hybrid or "Texas Wedge" from the fringe, judging speed and release is much harder than on the green. For these shots, think of the flagstick as a teammate. If your shot comes out a little hot, the pin is your best friend. There is practically no strategic downside to leaving the pin in for any shot played from off the putting surface.
The best way to figure out what works for *you* is to test it on the practice green. Theories are nice, but personal data is better. Here’s a simple drill:
Compare your results. Most players are surprised to find they make more from long distance and feel less worried about speed with the pin in. For others, the habit of seeing an open cup is too strong to break on short putts. This simple test will give you the confidence to build your own "pin in vs. pin out" strategy based on your own game.
The new flagstick rule gives you a simple, effective tool to speed up your round and, more importantly, a new strategic element to fine-tune your performance on the greens. Knowing when to use the pin as a backstop and visual aid versus when to clear the way for a clean look at the hole is a small piece of course management that can make a real difference in your scores.
Of course, remembering these situational strategies and thousands of other course management details in the middle of a round is asking a lot. For those moments when you're deciding on a tricky putt or stuck between clubs for a tough approach shot, we designed Caddie AI to provide that instant, coach-level advice right when you need it. By taking the guesswork out of these decisions, you're free to play with more confidence and commit to every shot.
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