The Pelz data was complied by simulating balls that went 3, 6 and 9 feet past the hole. From that he determoined that leaving the flag in gave you the greatest chance to make chips. I often wonder why he didnt try shots that would have rolled 17 inches pqst the hole; the distance he determined through testing that gave all putts the best chance to stay in the hole? I can certainly see why a ball that would have rocketed 9 feet past the hole would be aided by leaving the flagstick in, but what about the ones which only went 17 inches by the hole? Dave, we need more data!