Knowing whether to leave the flagstick in the hole or take it out used to be complicated, but a 2019 rule change made the decision much simpler. This article will provide a clear guide on the official rule and, more importantly, the strategy behind when you should pull the pin versus when you should leave it in to help you save strokes and play with more confidence around the greens.
Let's get the most important part out of the way first. Under the Rules of Golf updated in 2019, you are now allowed to putt with the flagstick left in the hole, even when your ball is on the putting green. If your ball hits the unattended pin and goes in, it counts. If it hits the pin and stays out, you simply play it from where it comes to rest. There is no penalty in either scenario.
This was a big change. Before 2019, leaving the pin in while putting from the green resulted in a two-stroke penalty. Players everywhere were conditioned to either pull the pin themselves or have a caddie or playing partner "tend" it for them. The new rule was designed to speed up play and remove some of the procedural headaches around the green.
So, the technical answer is easy: you can pretty much always leave it in if you want. But the "when" question has now shifted from a rules issue to a strategic one. Deciding whether the pin helps or hurts your chances of making a putt or chip is now a personal and tactical choice, and that's where a good understanding of strategy can give you an edge.
As a coach, I see players fall into one of two camps: those who now always leave the pin in, and those who always take it out, purely out of habit. The smart player, however, assesses the situation on every shot. The flagstick can be your best friend or a subtle obstacle depending on the shot you’re facing. Here’s how to decide.
Thinking of the flagstick as a helpful tool rather than an obstruction is a game-changer for many amateurs. Under the new rule, the pin can provide both a visual and physical advantage in several common situations.
Despite the advantages, there are still excellent reasons to stick with tradition and pull the pin. For many golfers, especially on shorter putts, a clear and open hole is mentally more appealing and, in some cases, tactically superior.
Beyond the rules and strategy, there's a flow to how players handle the flagstick during a round. Understanding this golf etiquette will make you a welcome playing partner in any group and help the game move along smoothly.
Even with the new rule, a player may still ask you to "tend" the flagstick for them. This means you hold the pin and remove it once they've struck their putt. To do it correctly:
Never toss or drop the flagstick on the green. The end of the pin can damage the delicate putting surface. The proper way is to gently lay the pin down in the rough just off the edge of the green. Place it in a location where it won’t interfere with anyone’s putt or chip, and make sure it’s not in the line of play for anyone in your group.
The unspoken rule is that the first person in the group to hole out is responsible for grabbing the pin and being ready to place it back in the cup after the last player has finished. This simple act of awareness shows respect for your playing partners and helps keep the pace of play moving for the group behind you. Make sure the pin is seated properly in the cup before heading to the next tee.
The decision of "pin in or pin out" has officially moved from a matter of rules to a matter of personal strategy and feel. Understanding when the flagstick can serve as a helpful backstop versus when it might act as a distraction is a subtle but effective way to think smarter on the golf course and give yourself the best chance to make more putts.
This is exactly the kind of on-the-spot decision making we designed Caddie AI to help with. When you’re standing over a slick downhill putt and wondering about the best play, you can get instant, expert-level strategic advice. You can even ask it any rule question, anytime, so you never feel uncertain on the course and can play every shot with total confidence.
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