Gimme in Golf: Rules & Etiquette

A gimme is a conceded putt that only exists in match play — you can concede any stroke, hole, or the entire match at any time (Rule 3.2b), but once given it cannot be withdrawn. In stroke play competitions there are no gimmes: every ball must be holed out (Rule 3.3).

What is a gimme?

A gimme is a short putt your opponent concedes — they agree you'd make it, so you pick up and count it as holed without putting. The word comes from "give me" — as in, "give me that one, it's close enough."

The crucial rule: gimmes only exist in match play

Under the Rules of Golf:

• Match play (Rule 3.2b): You can concede your opponent's next stroke, a hole, or the match at any time before it's decided. This is legal and a core part of match play strategy.
• Stroke play (Rule 3.3): No gimmes exist. Every ball must be holed out. Picking up without a formal concession is playing from a wrong place — in serious competition it's disqualification.

Most casual weekend rounds are stroke play, so technically everyone should hole out. Social groups often ignore this, but in any competition you must putt everything regardless of length.

Gimmes in match play: the strategy

Conceding a putt is often tactical, not just generous. Reasons to give one:

• Pace of play — a tap-in shouldn't slow the group.
• Disrupt rhythm — don't concede if your opponent looks nervous over short putts.
• Later leverage — concede early, then make them putt when it matters.
• Reciprocity — giving often gets you concessions back. Some matches get generous; others get stingy. Both are legitimate.

You can concede anytime: before they address it, while they're over it, or even mid-stroke (unusual but allowed).

A concession cannot be withdrawn. Once you say "that's good" or equivalent, it stands — even if you instantly regret it.

Casual stroke play: the social norm

In non-competition stroke play, most groups use informal gimmes:

• Inside a foot or two: often automatic.
• Inside putter-grip length ("inside the leather"): commonly given.
• Longer putts: rarely given unless it's a clear tap-in.

No universal standard exists. The etiquette principle: be consistent within your group. If you give a two-footer on hole 3, don't make them putt one on hole 17 when the score matters.

What you should never do

Never pick up without a concession. Even casually, picking up without someone saying "that's fine" is bad form. Ask — "is that okay?" — or putt it.

Never concede mid-putt. Wait until they finish. Conceding while they're putting creates confusion about whether the hole is complete.

Never ask for a concession. You can hint ("is that good?") but explicitly asking "will you give me that?" puts them in an awkward spot. The default is that all putts are played.

In competition, never pick up. No matter how short, no matter what partners say. Unless formally conceded in match play, you putt it.

FAQ

Does a gimme count as a stroke?

Yes. A conceded stroke counts exactly the same as if you'd holed the putt — you add one to your score for that hole.

Can I refuse a concession in match play?

No. Once your opponent concedes your stroke, hole, or match, it's final. You cannot decline it and choose to putt instead (Rule 3.2b).

What happens if I pick up my ball in stroke play thinking it was a gimme?

You've played from a wrong place. In a competition, that's a two-stroke penalty (Rule 14.7) — or disqualification if it's a serious breach. You must hole out.

Is there an official distance for a gimme?

No. The Rules of Golf define no distance — concessions are entirely at your opponent's discretion in match play. "Inside the leather" (putter-grip length, ~25–30 cm) is a common social convention, not a rule.

Can I concede a putt after my opponent has already missed it?

No. A concession must be made before the stroke is completed. Once the ball is struck, you can't retroactively concede it.