I discussed leaving the flag in while putting for sometime now. It has been fruitful and for the most part, I think most amateurs are leaving the flag in. Their reasons are their own and I, as a grateful golfer, have given up trying decide what is the best course of action. I like to have the flag out, but I not overly adverse to leaving it in for long putts. To each their own. However, the other day, I found a teachable moment on the course regarding the flag left in that I thought I would share.
A few days ago, Rick and I were playing early birds at Osprey Links Golf Course. It was early in the morning (started at 6 am) and the shadows were very long as the sun peaked over the trees. For the most part it was very beautiful and I was thoroughly enjoying our round.
On the 11th hole, Rick hit his chip to within 6 feet of the hole it was a very good shot and he had a great chance at par. Interestingly, his ball came to rest right in the shadow of the pin. I do not mean close, but dead centre.

As you can see, the shadow of the pin completely encompasses the ball. The interesting thing about this shot is that Rick said it was the perfect line. Go figure, so I started to think this was a great teaching moment.
Before I go to the teachable moment, Ricks ball went left about halfway into the putt. He hit it well, but missed the shadow. I asked if the shadow bothered him when putting and he said no. So, I guess it was a great alignment aid for him.
This is where the teaching moment comes in. A friend, Tom Cameron, is a great golfer and posted a video of putting with a string over the ball. (much like the shadow in Rick’s shot) He says it helps him develop confidence with 8 to 10 foot putts. I have not tried this, but it makes sense to me. Here is what I am talking about:
Try the string drill, I bet it helps you develop a strong short game. I know I am going to give it a whirl.
Have you ever tried the string drill?
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
I have been using the flagstick for putts over 20 feet and remove it for anything less. However if the shadow of the stick falls toward me, I will pull it to remove any distraction. That being said, the flagstick has helped on putts reaching the hole with excessive speed if the line is right and deflected what I thought were putts of perfect speed. Whatever gives you confidence!
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Jimmy K
Me too. I do not like the flag in on close putts. However, you are right that whatever makes you a better putter is what we should do. Hope your game is going well!
Cheers Jim
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Yes I have. I’m not sure it helped me though. Hitting my line has not been my big problem so much as choosing it has. Not since I painted the line on my putter anyway. Reading greens is an art that I haven’t found anything to help with. Some days I do it well and others I don’t. Even on courses I play a lot. The only thing that I would say is that the faster the green the more likely I am to putt well.
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Kevin,
Well said. It is challenging to be able to read the greens and I am failing at this time as well. It will be better soon, as I am on the upswing for sure.
Cheers Jim
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