Since 2019, when golf rules permitted leaving the flagstick in while putting, a notable shift has occurred in player habits, further reinforced by pandemic-era protocols. This change has led to a widespread adoption of putting with the flagstick in, often disregarding scientific analysis that suggests removing it is statistically more advantageous. The article explores this curious phenomenon, delving into a reader's firsthand experience of conflicting preferences within a golf group and presenting a strong argument for prioritizing the removal of the flagstick based on both expert advice and personal anecdotal evidence of improved putting outcomes.
The conversation around flagstick etiquette gained traction following a rule modification in 2019 by golf's governing bodies. This alteration allowed players to leave the flagstick in the hole without penalty, a move initially embraced by some professional golfers like Bryson DeChambeau. The subsequent COVID-19 pandemic inadvertently cemented this practice, as safety measures encouraged minimal contact with course equipment, leading to flagsticks remaining in place, often with protective inserts. This historical context illustrates how external factors converged to normalize a practice that, from a performance standpoint, remains contentious.
A recent communication from reader Jim Donnelly encapsulates the contemporary golfer's predicament. Donnelly, accustomed to playing with the flagstick removed, found himself in a peculiar "flagstick dance" with his father's group of retired city workers who consistently left it in. Despite his preference for an unobstructed hole, the group's differing habits created an awkward back-and-forth for four hours. This scenario underscores a common challenge on the greens today: balancing individual preference with group harmony. The author, who also prefers removing the flagstick, empathizes with Donnelly, recounting his own experience of missing birdie putts due to an unyielding flagstick, reinforcing his belief that science and personal observation both advocate for its removal.
For those new to a golf group or playing with unfamiliar companions, the initial query on the first green often revolves around flagstick preference: "Do you guys like it in or out?" This question frequently precipitates the aforementioned "flagstick dance," a testament to the varied opinions on the matter. While respecting individual choice is paramount, the author suggests that established groups should engage in a frank discussion about the flagstick's role. He advocates for sharing expert opinions, such as Mike Stachura's scientific findings that strongly support flagstick removal. Ultimately, the piece champions a return to the pre-2019 practice, emphasizing the satisfying sound of a ball dropping into an empty cup as a superior golfing experience.
