Pin In or Out Post COVID?

General Discussion
#32

No an issue here anymore as we are essentially covid free here in South Australia and all golf course restrictions have been lifted.

1 Like
#33

Even pre-COVID I’m a pin in guy. I could give countless examples where pace of play at my club slows just from managing the pin.

1 Like
#34

I’m planning on leaving it in I think. Early on we had no pins and inverted shallow cups where the ball occasionally skipped out and that got in my head. I putted much better with the pin in and pool noodles once I adapted to the change. Plus, it’s just a little faster and less effort than pulling the pin. Of course this is all subject to change and I’ll probably be happy to pull it when we are able.

1 Like
#35

Pin in now, no need to pull it… Except for the sound

1 Like
#36

I like the sound of the ball smacking the flag stuck and falling…I’m a bit aggressive with short putts and that sound means it went in 99% of the time (I don’t look up right away and try to keep my eyes on the spot where the ball was).

1 Like
#37

I really think that if they changed the rules of golf to mandate the flag sticks stay in all the time (including for tournaments) everyone would be adapted within a year and the idea of pulling the pin would seem as archaic as the stymie. This would make golf just a TINY bit faster on the whole, but across thousands of rounds, that’s a difference.

#38

I have got used to it being in. But sometimes the shadow is in my line or the flag shadow is flopping on my ball and it’s distracting haha. I agree that it could save a little time leaving it in but it’s marginal. With putting being all about feel and confidence for me, I pull it if it’s bothering me.

#39

That only works if they mandate thin flag sticks.

#40

That’s true. According to Bryson DeChambeau, the only tournament that uses flagsticks so thick that they are disadvantageous to putting is the US Open. Can’t recall if I’ve ever seen any like that for myself.

#41

Pin in.

  • No need to touch the flag and increase risk of catching a virus.
  • Use flag as a backboard like basketball. :basketball:
    :grin:
2 Likes
#42

It would be nice if the pin were flat like a backboard.

#43

The only time having the pin In; disturbs me is if when the wind :dash: is blowing so hard the stick is moving back and forth.

#44

I’m firmly on the leave it in side.

If the flagstick is fully seated in its base and standing upright … eg. not blowing over in a strong wind … there is plenty of room for the ball to fall in … at the proper speed…

…As others have said if it hits the stick and bounces out then your putt was too firm and would have bounced out/over the hole without the flagstick in…

Seems to me that having the upright visual cue, plus the potential backstop on too-strong putts, will help way more often than not.

Another plus to leaving it in:

  • some people jam the base into the green and leave a dent;
  • some people drop the stick on the green and leave a dent;
  • some people damage the lip of the cup taking it out and putting it back in (screwing up the putts for later groups)
3 Likes
#45

Ever since it became legal (and often before that as well) I’ve left the pin in and will continue to do so.

1 Like
#46

I have trouble hitting a short putt firm with the pin in because I feel like if I’m slightly off-center the ball will bounce out.

#47

With the right speed it “should not” (quote-unquote) but of course it’s personal preference and what gives each player more comfort (what they’re accustomed to doing) and more confidence (I can make this putt!).

#48

I do miss the sound of a putt landing in the hole but I agree, there is a lot of value in leaving the pin in

1 Like
#49

I agree. But from closeup the pin looks quite big and prevents me from hitting it firm.

1 Like
#50

I never stopped taking the pin out… don’t tell the federal storm troopers

2 Likes
#51

:joy::rofl: you win the comments today!

2 Likes