2 for the price of 1

[Colin L]

I don't doubt it,. In the course of our introduction to the new rules for members, I 'm noticing that many already know about being able to putt with the flagstick in - it seems to be a talking point in the bar just as it in this and other forums. The ball wedged against the flagsick one is different, and that's the trickier one.

 

[duncan mackie]

Question. From some of the posts above, it seems is it understood, or even known, that more putts drop if the flag is is left in? Is that the case?

It was from a detailed analysis of whether to putt, or chip, from off the green with the flag in or out.
The statistical result was to leave it in (just) but I can't remember what the upper speed element included in the analysis was ie was the fundamental difference the few that would have gone straight over the centre of the hole at pace or was there more to it.

Can't find it to check 😣

 

[rulefan]

Is this it?

https://www.golf.com/instruction/flag-or-out

 

[jusme]

Is this it?

https://www.golf.com/instruction/flag-or-out

Read it and don't dispute it as they seem to have went to great expense to test every eventuality. I don't know why but I can't bring myself to chip or putt with the flag in. In my head it's screaming the hole is smaller. I don't know if I can convince my head this is wrong, despite the evidence.

 

[jim8flog]

Amazed that anyway would sell 'thicker' flagsticks, even more amazed that anyone would buy them.

The comparison was between our old and our new ones. The ball will still drop with our new ones but the ball has to be moving quite slowly or else the ball seems more likely to bounce off the pole rather than go in.

 

[jim8flog]

Yes that situation shouldn't arrive to often, but I would imagine that there will be some that don't know the rule which might well lead to some arguments.

There is going to be a lot of arguments all across the course between those that have read the new rules and those that have not.

 

[Rlburnside]

There is going to be a lot of arguments all across the course between those that have read the new rules and those that have not.

Yes it amazes me how many players don't bother to look up rules, you don't expect everyone to read the rule book cover to cover but everyone should read up on the 20 most important changes.

 

[jim8flog]

Yes it amazes me how many players don't bother to look up rules, you don't expect everyone to read the rule book cover to cover but everyone should read up on the 20 most important changes.

and have arguments about the other 30

 

[duncan mackie]

Is this it?

https://www.golf.com/instruction/flag-or-out

Thats it - cheers.

As I remembered it the wording suggested that they were testing relatively firm putts (3, 6 and 9ft past on the flat); but I'm sure someone will be doing some more testing following the rule change!

 

[Doon frae Troon]

I’m sure there would’ve been people who thought the rule around stymie’s shouldn’t of been changed.

Yea bring back the stymie for matchplay only.
As kids we would occasionally play a round with stymies, great fun

 

[User 99]

Yea bring back the stymie for matchplay only.
As kids we would occasionally play a round with stymies, great fun

The no laying up guys played stymies and old clubs when they were playing Mussleburgh old during the summer.

 

[dronfield]

Hi
Dont a lot of pros chip with the flag out because stats have shown it is more likely to go in (rather than be deflected away) - would the same not apply with putting?
i know the rule has been changed to assist with speed of play, but in pro game surely most will simply let one of the caddies remove flag - obviously different in club golf where speeding up will be more noticeable.
I guess the real potential time can be saved on longer putts where caddies/playing partners have previously tended the flag and it can now be left.
Be interesting to see impact on pro tours - change of mindset required.
Rich

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Out of interest. Has the R&A any intention to regularise the size of the flag stick at its base ?

Listening to The Cut podcast the other day Dechambeau has looked at this and worked out which sticks he will leave in and which he will take out. Something about the composition of the stick. I appreciate that is slightly different to your question but it shows that this is already being looked at carefully.

 

[rulefan]

Hi
Dont a lot of pros chip with the flag out because stats have shown it is more likely to go in (rather than be deflected away) -
Rich

Also, remember that a ball which would have passed over the hole if the stick was out, will finish closer to the hole if it hits the stick. Absorption of energy.