A big topic this week at the grip station was the USGA rule change 13.2a(2). The flagstick rule. I suspect after Bryson’s performance in Dubai, the topic will continue to get attention. I have always been told that leaving the pin in when you were chipping was the way to go. As long as it wasn’t a windy day, the flagstick would work as a back stop and should give you an advantage. The folks at MYGOLFSPY were similarly intrigued and they decided to perform a test on the subject at hand.
I have attached a link to the article is here. https://mygolfspy.com/flagstick-in-flagstick-out-2019-new-golf-rules/
I will summarize their findings for you with three words. Leave it in.
OBSERVATIONS
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Leaving the flagstick is always an advantage vs. taking the flagstick out
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Leaving the flagstick in also keeps the ball closer to the hole on misses
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The less rigid flagstick has the highest make % and least distance after a miss
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The most rigid flagstick is still an advantage for both makes and misses vs. flagstick out
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Dead center strikes on the flagstick provided the best make % while leaving the shortest remaining distance to the hole on misses
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Off-center strikes on the flag still provided a higher make % vs. flagstick out
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While the advantage is not as significant leaning the stick forward (toward the golfer) is still an advantage vs. taking the flag out