A short putt that an opponent concedes in match play (meaning it doesn't need to be holed), or informally in casual stroke play by agreement among playing partners.
Gimmes in Match Play vs. Stroke Play
In match play (player vs. player format), Rule 3.2b allows a player to concede a putt at any time before it's holed — even after the opponent has putted. The opponent picks up the ball and the hole is complete. Gimmes are a genuine tactical tool in match play: concede short putts to keep the round moving and save your opponent from the psychological pressure of making them; or strategically decline to concede putts that genuinely pressure your opponent. In stroke play, there is no provision for gimmes — every putt must be holed.
The 'Leather' Rule in Casual Play
The most common informal gimme rule in casual stroke play is 'inside the leather' — any putt closer than the length of the grip on the putter (approximately 10 inches) is automatically conceded. While this isn't an official rule, it speeds up casual rounds significantly and reflects that short putts rarely change the outcome for most recreational players. Some groups use 'inside the flag' (about 36 inches) — a much more generous and skill-irrelevant rule.
Why You Should Practice Short Putts Anyway
Informal gimmes in casual play create a dangerous false confidence. Many golfers who take all putts inside 3 feet as gimmes discover in competition — where they must hole everything — that they're surprisingly poor at short putts. The mechanics of a 3-foot putt under pressure are very different from a casual tap-in. Practice short putts under pressure: place 6 balls around the hole at 3 feet and make all 6 consecutively before leaving the practice green.
Etiquette for Offering and Accepting Gimmes
Offering a gimme is a form of sportsmanship in casual golf. Don't wait for your partner to ask — if their ball is close enough that they'd obviously make it, offer the gimme. Never offer a gimme then take one back ('I didn't mean it — hole that out'). In match play, a concession is final and cannot be withdrawn once made. As the recipient, thank your partner graciously and mark your scorecard promptly.
Key Takeaways
- Gimmes are legal in match play (Rule 3.2b) but NOT in stroke play — every putt must be holed
- The 'inside the leather' informal rule applies in casual play only, by pre-agreement
- Casual gimme culture creates dangerous short putt weakness for competition — practice them anyway
- Etiquette: offer gimmes proactively; never withdraw a concession once made
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