Cups are installed from the bottom of the green. The cups have a flange on the bottom to secure them in place. The flag pin + flag base installs from the top. Line up the 4 holes on the flag base with the 4 holes on the cup. The flag base actually helps the golf ball stay in the hole by dampening and absorbing the energy of the golf ball. Shorter flags are available if you would like a more stable flag in the cup. Also, flag bases can be used without the flagstick with the same ball dampening effect. Using the base only will make your usable putting area larger, as you can stand directly over the cups and base without any interference from the flag.