New rules

[bruce gumbel]

Started this season leaving the flagstick in when putting. It has become a habit now and I prefer it being in. Does anyone else do this? If you take it out, do you think it will be an issue of putting it back in for those that putt the new rules way?

[Landis Courington]

I leave the flagstick in because it helps me see the cup better especially on longer putts. Many of my friends leave it in on putts longer than 2-3 ft but take it out for 2-3 ft.

[Rick Kimbrell]

Personally, I think it is the one new Rule that does not help pace of play. I play in a couple of tournament leagues and I see this all the time…Yes, I want the flag out. Next guy…oh, can you put the flag back in. Hence, a lot of wasted motion with the pin putting it back in, pulling it again, and so on.

• This reply was modified 3 years, 8 months ago by Rick Kimbrell.

[Jeffrey Barbas]

I can see where it saves time when everyone is far away from the hole to leave it in.

[Rick Kimbrell]

Agree Jeffrey. And, if you do continuous putting till you putt out it can be ok too. But, inside of 10 feet some want it in, others want it out…that becomes a hassle.

[Tommy Briggs]

I think many people leave the flag in because it gives them a false sense of confidence. Many people think they can hit their putts harder, because the flag will “save” them from going past the hole.

Whether the flag is in or out if you don’t hit the putt on line you will miss. If you hit it harder because you think the flag will save you, you will probably pull the putt.

For longer distances I think leaving the flag in can help with depth perception, but for putts I think I will make I want it out, to me it is more of a distraction.

[Bob Newman]

I leave it in if I would normally have had it tended. It has been a hassle with some I play with, the ace it out, put it back in etc. the only time I continuous putt is if I have a 2” tap in.

[Rick Kimbrell]

Now Bob, you know the WA advocates “continuous putting”. But then, you normally don’t leave anything more than 2″ anyway…so no big deal for you. 🙂

[Bob Newman]

It’s the 2 footers that concern me and I always putt everything out year round but I will not jeopardize a shot to save a few seconds. But in my defense; l very seldom take a practice swing, so I’m actually saving time.

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