In or Out? What Will Pros Do With The Flagstick?
What will players do with the flagstick in 2019? The Sentry Tournament of Champions could give us a glimpse into how the new ruling will play out.

Golf tips and expert instruction, golf club reviews and the latest golf equipment.
Thank you for signing up to Golf Monthly. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
The new Rules of Golf have sparked debate since they were announced, but with the first tournament of 2019 on the horizon, which tour pros are in favour of the new flagstick rule? By Lewis Blain.
In or Out? What Will Pros Do With The Flagstick?
This weekend marks the first time we witness the new Rules of Golf in action on Tour with players now being able to play shots from the putting green with the flagstick still in the hole.
The change is expected to help speed up play without conceding a penalty, though, it has received mixed reviews on tour so far.
2017 USPGA champion Justin Thomas is one that won't be putting with the pin still in the hole.
"I just, I truly, I can't, I wouldn't be able to take myself seriously. I just feel like it would be very, very weird,” explained Thomas at the Sentry Tournament of Champions this week.
"If I have an 8-footer to win a golf tournament, I can't, I mean no offence, I can't really take myself seriously if I kept the pin in,” he said.
“If I have a putt I'm trying to make, that thing's coming out.”
Dustin Johnson is another big name that is in agreement with Thomas. The world number three said that he can't imagine many instances where he would need the flag to be kept in the hole.
"It's going to be weird because the flag's going to be going in and out a lot. But it's all right," Johnson said.
"If you got a real long putt or something I might leave it instead of having the caddie stand there and tend it. So I guess I will leave it in occasionally."
Expand TaylorMade M5 and M6 Woods Revealed
TaylorMade M5 and M6 Woods Revealed
Check out the technology found on the new…
Expand Sentry Tournament Of Champions Golf Betting Tips
Sentry Tournament Of Champions Golf Betting Tips
Who will get their year off to a…
Expand 7 Reasons to Buy The New Issue
7 Reasons to Buy The New Issue
Take a look at what lies in behind…
Expand Should You Putt With The Flagstick In? 2019 Golf Rules
Should You Putt With The Flagstick In? 2019 Golf Rules
We tested out the new flagstick rule, here's…
However, one player in favour of the new ruling is Johnson's playing partner for the opening round at the Sentry Tournament of Champions.
Bryson DeChambeau won four times on Tour in 2018 but said back at the Shriners Open, a tournament that he went on to win, that he would experiment with the flag being in or out depending on the flagstick itself.
"It depends on the firmness value of the flag. The C.O.R. or coefficient of restitution of the flagstick," explained the world number five.
"I won’t do it at U.S. Open because of metal flagsticks but most likely will everywhere else.
"All I try to do is use every aspect of the game of golf to my advantage. I try to use the rules to my advantage in the most positive way possible. Not trying to skirt around anything, just use them."
During practice this week, fellow American Bubba Watson took the chance to query a putt with the man who knows all about the rules....
A photo posted by on
Under the new rules, Dechambeau believes it is fine to do so...
Will you be putting with the flagstick in this year? Let us know on our social channels.
Stay in touch with Golf Monthly on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
-
-
How Can I Play Brookline?
The Massachusetts-based host venue for the 2022 US Open is one of the most exclusive in the country
By Mike Hall • Published
-
‘Chasing Your Dreams Is Key’ – McIlroy On Playing Majors
The 33-year-old's wait for a fifth Major title continues, but he says playing them is a childhood dream come true
By Mike Hall • Published
-
The Masters Live Stream: How To Watch The Major
Here are all the details on how you can watch the Major wherever you are in the world.
By Sam Tremlett • Published
-
What Is Tiger Woods' Net Worth?
Tiger Woods became the first billion dollar athlete in 2009
By Elliott Heath • Published
-
12 Things You Didn't Know About Gary Woodland
We get to know US Open Champion Gary Woodland a little better
By Sam Tremlett • Published
-
Five Outsiders Who Could Win The Masters
We consider five players who might surprise the favourites and claim victory at Augusta
By Fergus Bisset • Published
-
What Is Rory McIlroy's Net Worth?
The four-time Major winner's earnings are only behind Tiger Woods
By Elliott Heath • Published
-
Who Coaches Tiger Woods?
Here we take a look at who coaches Tiger Woods
By Sam Tremlett • Published
-
Who Is Justin Thomas’ Girlfriend?
Get to know Justin Thomas' girlfriend, Jillian Wisniewski, here.
By Matt Cradock • Published
-
Who Is Tiger Woods’ Girlfriend?
Find out more about Tiger Woods' girlfriend, Erica Herman, here.
By Matt Cradock • Published