When the new rule was announced for 2019 that players would be allowed to leave the flagsticks in, many opinions were instantly formed about the change. At The Masters, where tradition is longstanding, it looks like they are going to go with the flow and allow this as well.
Although it is a PGA rule, courses are allowed to have their own local rules. Some thought that this would be the case at Augusta, and that they would implement some kind of stipulation stating that the flag would need to be removed for all putts from on the green.
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Instead, Bryson DeChambeau is celebrating. He isn’t the only one either. Adam Scott was interviewed during his trip to Hawaii for the Sony Open, and he gave his thoughts on the subject. “As you know, I’m not a person who cares how things look,” Scott said. “I was a 30-year-old man putting with a broom stick.”
The decision made by the folks in charge at Augusta, if they do indeed decide to let the rule be, carries major weight. It would be tough for any other tournament to decide to implement a local rule banning the right to leave the flagstick in, if THE tournament lets players do it.
This carries over to all of the courses that have their greens at a 13 or higher on the stimpmeter. When players have to be careful of adding that extra fraction of force to the ball, in fear of missing a putt by 10 feet. Now, they can hope to have the ball settle in by having it hit the flagstick. Of course, there still could be a negative outcome if you truly strike the ball too hard. I guarantee at some point this year that the Golf Channel and ESPN will have a highlight of a player leaving the flagstick in, striking a putt too hard, and having it hit the flag and roll off the green.
Focusing back on The Masters, it is good to see their continued acceptance of change, and willingness to adapt to the game. For a long time, they were behind the proverbial 8-ball, failing to keep up with the changes that were going on in the sport. Embracing the joy of the par-3 tournament, changing inclusivity policies, and going along with the new rules show that Augusta is on a great pace to help continue growing the game of golf.
Something that they should be applauded for in sticking to their old ways is now allowing phones on the course. Enjoy the course, the scenery, and one of the greatest tournaments in golf. No one wants to see your pictures from 150 feet away of someone putting with the flagstick in anyway.