Flagstick: In or Out?

January 31, 2008

Could the flagstick be the difference between a make and a miss?

Whether to keep the flagstick in or take it out on a short shot from off the green is the subject of much debate. Dave Pelz says keep it in. I’ve seen numerous tour players, including Tiger Woods, take the flagstick out on a shot from the fringe or greenside rough. So what should you do?

I think you should do what makes you comfortable. If having the flagstick out makes it easier for you to focus on the bottom of the cup, then so be it. Some players may very well find themselves believing they can make it like a putt if the shot looks like a putt. When the flagstick goes in, they go into “get it within 3 feet” mode.

Statistically, I don’t doubt Pelz when he says that the ball will go in more often with the flagstick in. I personally leave it in because I’m too lazy to walk over and take it out all the time (just kidding, if I’m that close I walk around the hole anyway). If you want to play the pure odds, leave the flagstick in the hole.

I think that the level of confidence you have when you look at the shot is much more important than a few statistical percentage points. While nearly impossible to measure, I believe a golfer’s confidence will produce a far greater positive statistical correlation than the flagstick in regards to good shots.

Written by John at 8:52 pm. Short Game