The Impact of Keeping the Pin in While Putting: Insights and Opinions

Recently, there was a significant change in golf rules for the 2019 season, allowing golfers to leave the flagstick in place while putting. This rule change has sparked various discussions among golfers about its implications and potential benefits. This article delves into these discussions, presenting different perspectives and opinions from seasoned golfers and providing insights into the practical effects of this new rule.

Understanding the Change in Putting Technique

The primary rationale behind this rule change is to enhance putting accuracy by providing a smaller target. Traditionally, golfers aim at the hole during putts, which can be quite demanding due to the small size of the hole. By keeping the flagstick in place, golfers can focus on hitting a smaller, more defined target. This technique is said to improve focus and potentially increase the success rate of putts, especially for long-distance putts.

Theoretical vs. Practical Benefits

One of the key arguments in favor of leaving the pin in is that it creates a smaller, more precise target. However, many golfers question whether this really makes a significant difference in performance. As one commenter pointed out, out of the 3000 putts a professional player might make in a year, only about 300 to 400 involve a straight line (going directly into the hole). In most cases, putts are either breaking or have some curve, making the idea of aiming at a specific point less relevant.

Another viewpoint suggests that practice greens with small holes are designed to simulate this effect. These practice greens use small, curved edges to help golfers develop their putting skills. While these holes can certainly help in focusing on a smaller target, the practical application is limited to the green itself. According to several experts, it is more beneficial to practice this technique on the actual putting green rather than during a game.

Practical Applications and Personal Experiences

Several golfers have shared their experiences with keeping the pin in during their rounds. For instance, one golfer noted that when faced with a three-foot downhill breaking putt on fast greens, leaving the pin in place actually increased his confidence. By hitting the putt at the pin, the golfer was able to maintain the trajectory needed to make the putt. This method provided more certainty and less doubt, which is crucial during a game.

Some golfers also mention the psychological aspect of the rule change. Traditionally, a golfer might have to ask their caddy either to leave the flagstick in or take it out. The new rule eliminates this back-and-forth, potentially saving time and streamlining the putting process. However, practical issues have also arisen, such as golfers disagreeing on whether to have the pin in or out, which can slow down play. In one instance, a group behind a foursome was faced with the dilemma of each member wanting a different preference, which added to the delay.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision to leave the flagstick in while putting primarily aims to enhance putting precision and save time. While some golfers find it valuable, others believe its impact is minimal. The key takeaway is that the effectiveness of this rule may vary depending on personal preference and putting style. As the sport continues to evolve, it is interesting to see how these changes impact overall performance and enjoyment on the golf course.