Since the rules changed to allow golfers to putt with the flagstick in the hole without penalty, golfers have debated whether it helps. Some always leave it in; others always take it out. The answer depends on the putt, the flagstick and your own preference. Here's what you need to know.
The rules
- You may leave the flagstick in the hole, have it removed, or have it attended.
- No penalty if your ball hits the flagstick when it's in the hole.
- Decide before you putt. If it's attended or removed, it shouldn't be moved deliberately to affect your ball.
- A ball resting against the flagstick counts as holed if any part of it is below the surface of the green.
- Chipping and pitching from off the green have always allowed the flagstick to stay in.
Read putting green rules.
Does leaving it in help?
It depends on the speed of the putt and the flagstick:
| Situation | Flagstick in? |
|---|---|
| Fast, downhill putt | Often helps: may stop a ball that's slightly too firm |
| Long putt | Gives a clear target and may help |
| Slow, uphill putt | Little effect; personal preference |
| Short putt you'll hit firmly | Many prefer it out for a clear view |
| Thick flagstick | More likely to block the ball |
| Flagstick leaning towards you | May block the ball |
| Flagstick leaning away | May help the ball drop |
| Windy day | The flagstick may move; consider taking it out |
Studies and testing have produced mixed results, but in general, the flagstick rarely hurts when the ball is rolling at a reasonable speed and hits it near the centre.
Visual preference
- Some golfers find the flagstick gives a better target and sense of depth.
- Others prefer seeing the whole hole.
Try both in practice and on the course. Read how to hole more short putts.
Pace of play
Leaving the flagstick in saves time, as nobody needs to remove, attend and replace it. In casual rounds, many groups simply leave it in for everyone. Read pace of play.
Etiquette
- Agree as a group how you'll handle the flagstick, especially when players have different preferences.
- Be quick to take it out or put it back.
- Lay it down carefully off your partners' lines, without damaging the green.
- Replace it carefully when the group has finished.
Read golf etiquette 101.
Chipping
When chipping from off the green, leaving the flagstick in is generally sensible: it gives a target and can stop a ball that's running too fast. Read how to chip in golf.
Frequently asked questions
Is it a penalty to hit the flagstick when putting?
No, not when the flagstick is left in the hole.
Should I leave the flagstick in on short putts?
It's personal preference. Many golfers take it out for a clear view on short putts.
Does leaving the flagstick in help on downhill putts?
It can, by stopping a ball that would otherwise run past.
Can someone attend the flagstick for me?
Yes, but decide before you putt.
The bottom line
You can putt with the flagstick in or out. Leave it in on fast, long or downhill putts if you like the target, consider taking it out on short putts or when it's thick, leaning or moving in the wind, and agree with your group to keep play moving. For more putting help, read putting on fast and slow greens.