Putting with flag in question

[Shane Field]

I'm just learning to play golf and I was told I can't ask to have the pin left in the hole when I'm putting on the green. I find putting easier with a bigger target so I like having the flagstick in while I hit the ball. Is it legal to do this? Thanks for clarification!

[Rulesman]

You can leave the flagstick in BUT if your ball hits it you will get a 2 stroke penalty.

This is the rule:

http://www.usga.org/rules/rules-and-decisions.html#!rule-17,17-3

 

[Midpack]

Just have someone tend the pin while you putt, that's done all the time. Most(?) players will offer to tend the pin for the player furthest away before pulling it.

It shouldn't, but if having someone standing next to the pin bothers you, someone could stand a few steps away and move to the pin after your putting stroke. On the rare occasion I'm told to leave it in, I stand about 3-4 steps to the side looking down then move toward the pin when I hear the putter click so I can pull the pin if needed and save them the penalty. The next player may want it out anyway. Still a gentlemens game...

Edited May 16, 2017 by Midpack

[Moppy]

I used leave it in all the time when playing alone to save time, which is cheating, (I don't keep a handicap) but I have noticed, since reading the flagstick rule post, that you can sort of hammer short putts into it, straightening out the putt, and they will drop if you hit the stick dead on, so now I have started taking it out on the short putts anyways since I would rather have the challenge. 

I think that leaving it in slightly increases the odds of a long putt dropping. I live with the guilt. 

[Rulesman]

8 hours ago, Shane Field said:

I'm just learning to play golf and I was told I can't ask to have the pin left in the hole when I'm putting on the green. I find putting easier with a bigger target so I like having the flagstick in while I hit the ball. Is it legal to do this? Thanks for clarification!

This is the rule that gives you permission

http://www.usga.org/rules/rules-and-decisions.html#!rule-17,17-1