When a golfer approaches the hole and removes the flagstick, they are opting for what is commonly called an “empty cup” or “pin out” shot. This decision, whether made for etiquette, personal preference, or the proximity of the shot, introduces a significant shift in both the visual and technical demands of the putt or chip. The absence of the flagstick removes a physical backstop and a primary visual target. This requires the golfer to recalibrate their aim, speed, and overall strategy. Mastering this adjustment forces a precise and deliberate execution of the short game, which is key to lowering scores.
Adjusting Your Aim When the Hole Looks Smaller
The most immediate challenge of putting to an empty hole is the psychological effect known as size constancy. Without the vertical reference point of the flagstick, the 4.25-inch diameter hole often appears smaller and less inviting, which can lead to a tentative stroke. To counteract this visual distortion, golfers should shift their focus from the vertical flag to the horizontal plane of the cup itself.
A helpful strategy involves aiming for the high side of the hole or a specific quadrant where the ball is intended to enter. Instead of looking generally at the hole, select a distinct target point, such as a small blemish on the turf or a specific blade of grass directly on your line just short of the cup. This practice helps maintain an aggressive, committed stroke rather than decelerating due to the perceived smaller target. Establishing a clear, horizontal target replaces the lost vertical reference and bypasses the mental trap of a shrinking hole.
Speed Control Without the Backstop
The absence of the flagstick fundamentally changes the physics of the shot, making speed control the primary factor for success. When the pin is removed, the ideal pace for a putt is a “dying speed,” where the ball enters the cup with just enough momentum to fall in. This pace allows the ball to use the entire circumference of the hole and capture putts that are slightly off-line.
Hitting the ball too firmly significantly reduces the hole’s effective capture width. Putts that arrive at the hole with aggressive speed have a considerably smaller margin for error on the read, often causing the ball to lip out or run straight over the edge.
An aggressive putt that misses will continue rolling far past the hole without the physical resistance of the flagstick to slow it down. This results in a much longer return putt, increasing the risk of a three-putt.
For chips or pitches to an empty cup, speed control is managed by selecting a precise landing zone and controlling the ball’s spin. Since there is no backstop to absorb excess energy, the ball must land short of the hole and roll out with a controlled pace. The landing zone must be calculated so that the ball’s momentum dissipates just as it reaches the cup. This requires a focus on a clean strike that imparts sufficient spin to stop the ball quickly without the assistance of a pin.
Strategic Decision Making: Pin In or Pin Out
The current rules of golf allow the flagstick to be left in the hole when putting from anywhere on the course without penalty. This rule change introduced a strategic choice dependent on the shot type and distance.
For long putts, especially those traveling more than 30 feet, leaving the pin in can be beneficial. The flagstick acts as a visual aid for depth perception, assisting the golfer in getting the speed close to the hole. If the ball is struck too hard, the flagstick may also absorb enough energy to prevent the ball from running significantly past.
However, research suggests that for most putts on the green, particularly those inside 15 feet, removing the pin offers a higher probability of holing the ball. Studies show an off-center putt struck with moderate speed is more likely to carom off the flagstick and out of the hole than it is to be deflected in. Therefore, removing the pin for shorter, delicate putts eliminates the risk of deflection and provides a clear, unobstructed target.