Always out unless I can’t see the hole from distance. And even then if someone’s close to it I prefer it tended. I’m one of the few who feels the pin hurts more than it helps. I even prefer chipping with it out.

Long putt playing with my league starting out this year we were leaving it in. But more and more each week we seem to be pulling it. We were walking up to the hole anyway to see if the pin was leaning, half in/out etc.
Pulling the pin unless you can't see it..... (loooong putts, lol) when it would have otherwise been tended.
Being a senior it's hard to break 50 year old habits. My personal preference is pull it.

I'll leave it in on very long putts for depth perception...inside 30 ft, I take it out!

Although I agree with the statement that it may eliminate damage to the green when players drop and drag the pin, it's possible that the damage done to the hole by NOT removing the pin to retrieve the ball may have a higher impact on play. The same guys throwing the pins on the green could care less if they damage the edge of the cup when getting the ball out. It's not unusual to observe damage to the edges on many holes now. The proper procedure would be to remove the pin prior to retrieving the ball.

I'm also not sure it speeds play when some in the group want it in and others want it out. I've played in amateur tournaments where the pin was taken out and put back in several times on each hole. Certainly slower than taking it out when everyone was within 15-20'.

Since I live and play on the coast with a lot of wind, our pins are the heavy type and not very friendly, so unless it is a fast downhill putt or outside 20', I'm probably taking the pin out. I think it will evolve to putting long putts with the pin in and taking the pin out when all are inside a reasonable distance. Most tests that say leave it in are using speeds where the ball will finish 6' past the hole.

Take it out.

I personally have had more negatives than positives come from leaving the pin in. I have had quite a few birdie putts bouncing off the flag and found others being too aggressive with chips and putts hoping the flag will help and they wind up missing the long comebacker as opposed to a shorter tap in. Does not seem to speed up play and find some added cup damage as guys pick their balls out of the cup. I guess I am just old school..if I can see it, pull it and if a long way, please tend it. Might help a bit leaving it in for a downhill slider putt though.

I Iagree with this, but I have an artificial green in my backyard and like most putting greens, I have the little flags in teh hole to get the balls out. Why is it that we (me included) feel strange at putting at a real flag, but think nothing of it with the thinner flags?

I have always gone with - fiberglass in, and metal flags out. Now I keep it in for longer putts and just go with the flow when someone wants it out - then it stays out

We're all long term players and have about 50-80 rounds in under the new rule. Most leave it in on longer putts, pull it for shorter puts but everyone, to a person, considers it situational based on the putt at that moment. We all believe it has slightly improved the pace of play, but only slightly.

I AM COMFORTABLE LEAVING THE FLAG IN ON ALL PUTTS....BASICALLY I DO THAT ON THE PRACTICE GREEN SO WHY NOT ON THE GC GREENS.....I FIND IT TO BE FASTER, UNLESS YOURE TAKING IT OUT, PUT IT IN , TAKE IT OUT, PUT IT IN FOR A FOURSOME.....

We’ve been leaving the pin in since the rule change. It’s helped me more than it’s hurt me.

From 10’ or less “pull it”.

In

It’s not close. I’m a data guy and the data is clear. Leave it in at all times. I’ve yet to have it hurt me. I’m convinced after reading the study by My Golf Spy and Dave Pelz that in the majority of the time, it helps.

There are not too many good reasons to take the pin out. When PGA Tour pros are putting for eagle with the pin in, I think most us amateurs will be ok if you leave it in.

I see all the "Traditionalists" non-sense talk about taking it out,....well drop the ball over your shoulder next time you are getting relief from a "hazard" (now penalty area.) Leave the spike mark s and scuffs on the green too, don't fix them (even though the new rule allows it) if you are such a traditionalists. The game of golf has had many rule changes over the years, don't pick choose which ones you like based on tradition.

Too many egos out there on the golf course. Leave the pin in! On rare occasions take it out, if necessary.....otherwise hit your ball, take your ego out of the game and keep moving....the group behind you is waiting!

im ok with it in or out although when the wind is blowing hard right at me that means it is bending the stick my way so i take it out. I like it that we can leave it in. it also speeds up the game when you dont have to pull it out and then walk over and pick it up to replace it.

Short putts, pin out
Long putts, pin in.

After 50 years of playing I think leaving the pin in helps moving the round faster but I think the flag in with its shadow is a distraction. The hole also looks larger with the pin out.

Is anyone seeing damage to the cup with so many hands reaching into less space to get their ball? I played with a guy that had big hands and he felt he had, and could be damaging the cup trying to get his ball.

I generally like to leave it in, just seems to help me focus on the line. Other members like it out and thats fine too. Overall I think it helps with pace of play. For long putts folks just step in and putt. For short putts someone is tending to the pin rather than 4 guys just watching and then picking up & replacing it. Just seems to improve the flow.

No. I’m just too “old school “ I guess. I forget that u can leave it in most the time. My putting practice time I never have even have the pin in. Can u see Mr. Hogan putting w the pin in? Nope!