The hole on every green moves regularly, and its position changes how the hole plays. Front, back and side pins call for different clubs and targets. Some courses use flag colours or pin sheets to show where the hole is. Learning to read pin positions helps you choose smarter targets.
Why holes move
- Spread wear on the green.
- Vary difficulty for players.
- Recovery for turf around the hole.
Read golf course maintenance explained.
Flag colours
Some courses use colours to show the pin's position:
| Colour (example system) | Position |
|---|---|
| Red | Front |
| White | Middle |
| Blue | Back |
Systems vary by course; check the scorecard or ask. Some use flag positions on the flagstick or small markers instead.
Pin sheets
In competitions, pin sheets show each hole's position, often as paces from the front and side of the green. Read how golf courses are set up for tournaments.
Playing to the pin
- Know the distance to the pin and to the front and back. Read rangefinder vs GPS.
- Tough pins: aim for the centre or the safe side.
- Back pins: take enough club.
- Front pins over hazards: be cautious.
- Short-siding: avoid missing on the side closest to the pin. Read golf course management.
Reading the green from the fairway
Look at slopes around the pin to choose where to miss. Read how to read greens.
Hole locations and difficulty
| Hole location | What to expect | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Front | A short carry to the hole; trouble often short | Take enough club to clear front hazards |
| Middle | The easiest location | Attack, within reason |
| Back | Long approach; danger long | Play to the middle and putt |
| Tucked left or right | Near bunkers or slopes | Aim at the fat side of the green |
| On a slope or tier | Difficult putts | Leave the ball below the hole |
Read risk and reward in golf.
How greenkeepers choose locations
Greenkeepers and committees choose hole locations to:
- Spread wear across the green.
- Balance difficulty across the course, with a mix of easy and hard positions.
- Suit conditions: in wind or on fast greens, easier positions are chosen.
- Avoid unfair spots: holes are cut in areas flat enough for putts to stop.
For tournaments, positions often get harder through the event. Read tournament course setup.
The fat side of the green
The "fat side" is the part of the green with more space between the hole and trouble. When the pin is tucked behind a bunker on the right, aim towards the left-centre, the fat side. You'll have a longer putt but avoid a difficult recovery.
Using pin sheets
Some clubs and competitions provide pin sheets showing the hole's distance from the front of the green and from the nearest edge. Combine this with the yardage to the front to calculate the distance to the hole. Read yardage books explained.
Flagstick choices
Players may leave the flagstick in or take it out when putting. Read flagstick in or out.
Pin positions and short game
Pin locations affect your short-game choice: a back pin with lots of green may suit a bump and run, while a front pin over a bunker needs height. Read chip or putt: how to decide and how to hit a lob shot.
Frequently asked questions
How often are golf holes moved?
Often daily or several times a week, depending on the course.
What do different flag colours mean?
Some courses use colours for front, middle and back positions; systems vary.
What is a pin sheet?
A sheet showing hole positions for a competition.
Should I aim at the flag?
Only when the risk is low; otherwise aim for the centre or safe side.
How often are hole positions changed?
At many clubs, several times a week, and daily during busy periods or competitions.
Should I always aim at the flag?
No. Aim at the flag only when the risk is low; otherwise, aim for the centre or fat side of the green.
The bottom line
Pin positions change how each hole plays. Learn the course's flag system, use pin distances and aim for safe sides when the pin is tough. For more strategy, read risk and reward in golf.