Flag
The flag is the marker at the hole that shows you from a distance where the hole is positioned on the green.
The flag, also known as flag (pin), consists of a movable pole and a cloth on top. It sits in the hole on the green and makes the target visible from the fairway or the tee. The cloth also provides wind information: you read direction and strength from the way it flutters, which helps on long approach shots. Under the rules, the flag may stay in the hole while putting or be removed — both have been penalty-free since 2019, even if the ball hits the flag.
In practice, the flag saves you search time and gives you a picture of the target. Example: you play your second shot on a par 4 from 140 metres. The flag stands front left on the green, and the cloth shows a headwind from the left. You take one more club, aim at the middle of the green and let the ball run out towards the flag. Once you are on the green, you decide putt by putt whether the flag stays in or comes out. From short range, many leave it in because it visually enlarges the hole.
A widespread misconception persists: hitting the flag with your putt costs penalty strokes. That was true before the 2019 rule reform — not any more. What still matters is careful handling: the flag is lifted out vertically and laid down flat, never jammed into the hole or thrown onto the green. Damaging the hole with the pole counts as a serious breach of course care and etiquette.
FAQ
May the flag stay in the hole while putting?
Yes, since the 2019 rule reform this is completely penalty-free — even if your ball hits the flag. You are free to decide putt by putt whether it stays in or is removed. Many leave it in from short range because the pole visually enlarges the hole and can act as a backstop.
What does the flag tell you on an approach shot?
Two things: the exact position of the hole on the green and the wind. From the flutter of the cloth you read the direction and strength of the wind, which influences club choice especially on long shots from over 140 metres. If the cloth shows a headwind from the left, feel free to take one more club and aim at the middle of the green.
How do you handle the flag correctly on the green?
Lift it out vertically and lay it down flat on the green where it is in nobody's way — never jam it into the hole or throw it onto the green. After holing out, it goes back in just as vertically. Anyone who damages the hole with the pole or drops the flag is breaching etiquette and annoying the greenkeeping team.