Know When to Attack Flags!

Are you being lured under an evil spell of “sucker pins” on every hole? Well, Every flag position is not created equal. There are 3 types of flags, and they all need to be played differently. I am going to explain to you how to recognize and play the different flag positions on a green.

1.”Get’em flag” 

These are the easiest to spot, they are normally away from all hazards, which more times than not will be in the center of the green. These flags are “get’em flags” because there is a minimal risk if you miss hit a shot. A flag positioned in the center of the green takes out most of the guesswork of a hole, as most golf course distances are to the center of the green. Take aim at this flag and have no fear if you miss hit the shot, there is plenty room.

2.”Egg Flag”

Its called the “Egg Flag” because you need to use caution when handling. These types of flags are harmless for the most part unless you miss hit the shot. In the same way, eggs are a great food unless you drop them, then it gets messy quickly. A broken egg is trash if you aren’t cracking its contents into a bowl. “Egg Flags” are usually just outside of the “get’em” zone, they can appear to be “Get’em Flags” at first glance be very careful of this. There is a hidden danger in going for an “Egg Flag”, catch the shot a little thin and you are in the water, hit the shot fat and you may come up short of the green. For these types of pin positions, take aim at the center of the green, since “Egg Flags” are normally NEAR the center of the green you will have a putting range of about 15ft-25ft. We are looking for a decent birdie and guaranteed par on these holes.

3.”Sucker Pin”

We all know and love these! They can be the “shot of a lifetime” or they can make you want to quit golf entirely.  “Sucker Pins” are the remaining areas, they are close to the edges of greens, they are close to hazards, they are like our Exes; Fun and Crazy but not worth the trouble. STAY AWAY from these flags, PlAY AWAY from these flags. We want to leave with a par on these holes, yes it may be a 60ft 2 putt for Par but that is way better than making a 10 on the hole. Take Aim at the center of the green as well, to secure a Par. “Sucker Pins” require a perfect shot, and unless you have nothing to lose to one of these flags PLAY AWAY from it.

Hole 16 at August National is the perfect example, the Sunday pin location is normally the back left just behind the bunker. As tempting as this flag position may look, just about every Tour player hits his shot to the center of the green and hopes it rolls down to the hole location. This flag is only accessible via the center of the green. remember that.