Who puts the pin back?

I was playing with a new group out of town.

One of the comments I received was.  "That pin must be awfully heavy for you".

I got the hint.  The pin has been pulled and laying on the green.

I wasn't putting the pin back they way they played.

Where I play and I commented to them.

"Last one in gets the pin"

If I am done before the other players putt out, I always pick up the pin and replace it when everyone is done.

I've always used the "first one in gets the pin".. You've putted out, and nothing to do while the others finish out.. I traditionally pick up the pin and wait if I'm the first one that putted out..  It speeds up play IMO, which is always a good thing :)

i tend to agree more with "first one in gets the pin"

first one in stands and waits for 3 people to putt...why wouldnt he have the pin ready to place back into the cup.

if you were to be the last person putting, you would have to finish your putt, put the pin back, pick up any clubs you brought to the green and then chase your playing partners off the green.

just another simple way to help speed up play, yet something a lot of players dont think about! thanks for bringing up the topic

I also follow the "first in gets the pin" rule.

Like everyone said, it helps speed up the play.

First in should get the pin.

And the other two players could fix ball marks while waiting for the fourth.

First in gets the pin. Last in gets the pin doesn't make much sense, it would only slow down play.

In about 30 years of playing I don't ever recall running across a group that wanted to play "last one in get's the pin". I don't think there needs to be any set rule other than it's not the last one in IMO.

I usually follow the "first in" rule, but sometimes it is the second or third. As has already been said, it's usually anybody but the last one in.

Don't really see the point of "Last one in gets the pin". Sounds like it would take more time and slows down play. Often I've been the last in and appreciate when someone has the pin ready to go in, because I have to grab my wedges from my approach (and often we grab each others clubs for each other as they putt out).

I feel that it's good etiquette to help your playing partners as they're putting out. It keeps the pace moving for your group and the course in general, and is generally a kind gesture.

It makes sense that the first one in gets the pin.  It speeds up play.

I have always done last one gets the pin.  I hate it when I am putting and some one is standing there with the flag next to them.  It feels like they are trying to rush me or something.

Also the time it takes for the last one in to get the pin vs the first one is probably 15-30 seconds.  That times 18 holes and you are looking at a max of about 9 minutes, not really that much of a time saver.

You don't consider shaving 9 minutes off a round a time saver? Dear god....

Oh wait....(I just noticed who the poster was)

Just tell them to move out of your sight lines.

Usually when I play, it's anyone but the last one in.

Rather than worrying about it, I just pick it up if I happen to be standing near it and nobody else has yet done so.  First in picks up the pin is a nice little rhyme, but in reality it just makes sense for whoever is closest to where it lies to pick it up once the putting is nearly done.

It ain't that big a deal as long as the duties of tending, pulling and replacing are shared during the round.   If we have reached the 14th green and nobody but me has ever touched the flagstick, then I might be inclined to mention it.

agreed. there are definitely times where i am the first in, but it would be rude or a hassle for me to traverse my opponents lines and interrupt their rhythm to get to the flag. it is just another example of how to be mindful and efficient on a golf course. people argue that they shouldnt have to rush and sprint through their rounds so others can play in 2 hours...but doing the small things like putting in the flag and playing ready golf really cut down on how much time a group spends not playing golf.

look at it this way....if you play at a relaxing speed...but do all the small things....you can probably get in 27 instead of 18!!!!