Full Definition
The 2019 Rules of Golf change (Rule 13.2a) allows golfers to putt with the flagstick attended, unattended, or removed—their choice. Research by Lou Riccio showed balls struck at the right speed are more likely to stay in the hole with the stick in, because the stick absorbs energy from balls that might otherwise pop out. On faster greens and longer putts the advantage is clearest. Most tour players still remove the flag on short putts but leave it in for longer lag putts.
See How Flagstick Rule Affects YOUR Swing — In Real Time
GOATY AI watches your swing live through your camera, speaks coaching cues in your ear while you swing, and measures the exact biomechanics — including flagstick rule — that determine your ball-striking quality.
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GOATY tip: For putts from beyond 20 feet, experiment with leaving the flagstick in. The physics favor it on faster greens—the stick can stop balls that would otherwise lipsout or horseshoe. Book a free live lesson to see your own flagstick rule data in real time during your practice session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Flagstick Rule in golf?
The 2019 rule change allowing golfers to putt with the flagstick left in the hole.
Why does flagstick rule matter for scoring?
The 2019 Rules of Golf change (Rule 13.2a) allows golfers to putt with the flagstick attended, unattended, or removed—their choice. Research by Lou Riccio showed balls struck at the right speed are more likely to stay in the hole with the stick in, because the stick absorbs energ...
How can I improve my flagstick rule?
GOATY tip: For putts from beyond 20 feet, experiment with leaving the flagstick in. The physics favor it on faster greens—the stick can stop balls that would otherwise lipsout or horseshoe. GOATY AI measures your flagstick rule in real time during live practice sessions — giving you instant feedback without needing to film and review video after the fact.
What is a good flagstick rule for an amateur golfer?
The benchmark is the GOAT Model — elite swing mechanics scored at 97.3. GOATY AI shows you exactly how your flagstick rule compares to this elite standard and coaches you toward it session by session.