You've probably noticed more and more golfers putting with the flagstick still in the hole and wondered why the sudden change. This isn't just a random trend, it's a strategic shift that started with a significant rule update. This guide will walk you through exactly why players are leaving the pin in, covering the rule change, the science behind it, and the practical advantages it offers on the course.
For decades, hitting the flagstick with your putt from on the green resulted in a two-stroke penalty (or loss of hole in match play). It was one of golf's unforgiving rules, forcing golfers to have the pin tended or removed for every putt, no matter how short or long.
Everything changed on January 1, 2019. The USGA and R&A, golf's governing bodies, modernized the Rules of Golf to make them simpler and to help speed up play. One of the most significant updates was to Rule 13.2a, which now allows golfers to putt with the flagstick in the hole without penalty.
Specifically, the rule states:
This simple change immediately opened the door for players at every level, from weekend amateurs to Tour professionals, to rethink their on-green strategy. Instead of being a mandatory action, removing the pin became a choice.
Once putting with the flagstick in became legal, the big question became: Is it actually better? While golf's biggest names like Bryson DeChambeau quickly advocated for leaving it in - citing physics - the debate is still active. The truth is, it can both help and hurt, depending on the situation.
The primary argument for leaving the flagstick in is that it can act as a "backstop." This is especially true for putts that are rolling a little too fast. The idea is that a ball that might have caught the edge of the hole and lipped out, or rolled well past, will instead be softened or redirected by the pin.
Consider a putt moving with too much pace. If the ball hits the flagstick dead-on, the pin will absorb some of the energy, helping the ball drop into the cup. If the ball is slightly off-center, the pin can still prevent it from lipping out at speed. Tests and personal anecdotes suggest that the flagstick increases the effective "capture width" of the hole on overly firm putts.
Modern flagsticks, typically made from fiberglass, are designed to flex. This property helps cradle the ball on impact rather than causing a violent ricochet, which was more common with older, thicker metal flagsticks.
On the other hand, there’s a risk that the flagstick can cause your ball to bounce away from the hole when it might have dropped otherwise. This is the biggest fear for golfers who prefer taking the pin out.
This negative effect tends to happen under specific circumstances:
So, what's the verdict? For most golfers, the "backstop" advantage on downhill or fast putts likely outweighs the "ricochet" risk on slower putts. The backstopping effect "saves" more overly aggressive putts from running too far than it costs golfers on perfectly-weighted approaches.
Beyond the physics, one of the main goals of the 2019 rule change was to improve pace of play, and leaving the flagstick in does just that. Think about the old routine:
Leaving the pin in eliminates this entire time-consuming ritual. As soon as you arrive at the green, you can start lining up your putt. There’s no waiting or communication required about who is tending the pin. You simply putt, and the next person goes. This trims precious seconds off every hole, which can add up to 10-15 minutes saved over an entire round for a foursome.
The flagstick isn't just a physical object in the hole, it's a powerful tool for your brain and your pre-shot routine.
For many golfers, the tall, brightly colored flagstick provides a much more compelling and clear target than a small, 4.25-inch hole cut into the green from a distance. Especially on long putts of 40 feet or more, focusing on the hole itself can be difficult. The flagstick gives your eyes - and your mind - a precise and easy-to-see aiming point. This can improve your alignment and make you feel more committed to your line.
While you should never fully rely on it, the way a flagstick leans can sometimes give you a subtle clue about the overall slope around the hole. If you see the pin leaning slightly to the right, it may confirm your read that the ground is falling in that direction. It’s an extra piece of information that can add confidence to your putt.
For some, leaving the flag in just simplifies the mental process. You don't have to think about removing the pin or worry about where to place it. You just step up, aim, and go. By reducing the number of variables, you can free up mental energy to focus on what matters most: speed and line.
Despite all the benefits, there’s no absolute rule that says you must leave the flagstick in. There are still great reasons to pull it, and the best players weigh their options on a case-by-case basis.
Essentially, the 2019 rule change gave every golfer a strategic choice on the putting green. Opting to leave the flagstick in is now a popular decision based on the combined benefits of improving pace of play, using the pin as a backstop for aggressive putts, and leveraging it as a clear visual aid for aiming.
Deciding on the flagstick is just one of many small strategic choices you can make during a round. To help you navigate all the others - from club recommendations on a tough par-3 to the best shots to escape trouble - we made Caddie AI. Our app provides on-demand, expert-level advice on the course, so you can make smarter decisions, play with confidence, and start to lower your scores as the guesswork of how to play the game better is simply taken off your shoulders.
Watching your golf ball skitter across the ground when you intended for it to soar majestically through the air is one of the most maddening feelings in golf. You swung hard, you tried to help it up, but it still barely left the turf. This article will break down the real reasons this happens and give you straightforward, actionable advice to start launching your shots with the height and confidence you’re looking for.
A restricted shoulder turn is one of the most common power-killers in amateur golf, forcing you to rely on your arms and hands for speed, which kills both distance and consistency. Achieving a full shoulder turn, on the other hand, is the secret to unlocking effortless power and building a repeatable, reliable golf swing. This guide will explain exactly why a complete turn is so vital and give you practical, step-by-step advice to ingrain this move into your own swing.
The story of Paul Azinger’s playing career doesn't have a simple, clean ending, instead, it's a gradual fade from the leaderboard driven by a life-altering health battle and the discovery of a new passion. While many remember him as the fiery 1993 PGA Champion, his journey from top-tier competitor to broadcasting icon is a powerful lesson in resilience and adaptation. This article will walk you through the real reasons why Paul Azinger stepped back from full-time competitive golf, from his peak as a major winner to the diagnosis that changed everything and the new path he forged.
You split the fairway with what felt like a perfect drive, watching it start straight at your target, only to see it make a late, unwanted curve into the left rough. It's one of golf's most frustrating feelings, and it almost always comes back to one simple, misunderstood concept: alignment. This guide will walk you through the professional approach of intentionally aiming your body to the right, a method that can straighten out your ball flight and unlock a more powerful, consistent swing.
A bending left arm in the golf swing is one of the most visible - and frustrating - swing flaws out there. You’ve probably seen it on video, felt it at the top of your backswing, and know that it’s connected to those weak, inconsistent shots you’re desperate to fix. This article will cut through the noise and give you a clear understanding of why it’s happening and - more importantly - a set of practical, actionable drills to fix it for good.
As you watch your child try different activities, golf might not be the first sport that comes to mind, but it offers a surprising wealth of benefits that go far beyond learning to hit a little white ball. This article will show you exactly why golf is such a valuable pursuit for a child's development, covering the life lessons, physical perks, and lasting connections they will build on the course. We’ll cover the tangible skills and deep-seated values the game of golf installs in young players.
Just ask a question or share a photo and Caddie gives personalized guidance for every shot - anytime, anywhere.
