New Golf Rules Explained: Putting with Flagstick in the Hole

In 2019, the USGA, R&A, along with the input of the PGA tour and others, implemented thirty changes to the Rules of Golf. All with the goal of making the game more player friendly, easier to understand, and improve pace of play. Not all of the changes will apply at prestigious amateur competitions or the pro tours, which means you the recreational golfer will benefit the most of the rules changes.

To ensure you are informed Mr Topes Golf broke down the most important rules of golf changes, what they are and what they mean for you.

Golf Rule Explained: Playing with the Flagstick in the Hole 

Old Rule: Hitting the flagstick with your golf ball from on the green resulted in a two-stroke penalty.

New Rule: Yes, there is no penalty for leaving the flagstick in. You may do this from anywhere on the golf course including when your ball is on the putting green (see Rule 13.2a).

How Does this Help You: There is some strategy when implementing this rule. Leaving the flagstick in means you can be aggressive on the short putts which will take the break out of the putt. Be careful, one firm miscue and your par putt might become a double bogey.  

PGA Player, Bryson DeChambeau said “It depends on the COR, the coefficient of restitution of the flagstick.  In U.S. Opens, I’ll take it out, and every other Tour event, when it’s fiberglass, I’ll leave it in and bounce that ball against the flagstick if I need to.”