When Did the Pga Change the Flagstick Rule?

Fans of the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) Tour have witnessed a strange sight since 2019: golfers putting with the flagstick (AKA pin) in the hole. Before 2019, players were assessed a one-shot penalty if a ball putted on the green came into contact with a flagstick.

Why did PGA change rule on flagstick?

The bodies decided on the alteration because they believe "allowing a player to putt with the flagstick in the hole without fear of penalty should generally help speed up play". Before, if a player hit the flagstick with a putt, then they would have been hit with a penalty. The changes have come in under Rule 13.2a(2).

When did the stymie rule change in golf?

In 1920, the United States Golf Association tested a modified stymie rule for one year, allowing a stymied player to concede the opponent's next putt.