Nina Caldwell
The concept of a gimme in golf is a highly debated topic, with varying opinions and interpretations. A gimme refers to an agreement between golfers, where a short putt is counted as made without physically stroking the ball into the cup. While some golfers believe that gimmes are never allowed under the official rules, others argue that they are acceptable in certain contexts, such as recreational rounds among friends or in match play. The decision to concede a gimme often depends on the group's dynamics and the specific circumstances of the game. Some golfers use the “inside the leather” rule, where a gimme is granted if the putt is shorter than the length of the grip on the top end of the putter or the length of the putter itself. Ultimately, the etiquette around gimmes remains unwritten, leaving room for different interpretations and practices among golfers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are gimmies allowed in golf? | Gimmies are not allowed under the official rules of golf. |
| When are gimmies allowed in golf? | Gimmies are often seen in recreational rounds of golf between friends. Gimmies are also allowed in match play, where a golfer can concede their opponent's next stroke. |
| What is a gimme? | A gimme is a short putt that one golfer asks another golfer or golfers to count as made without forcing them to stroke the ball into the cup. |
| How to decide if it's a gimme? | If the putt is "inside the leather", it is considered a gimme. "Inside the leather" means the putt is shorter than the length of the grip on the top end of the putter or shorter than the length of the putter from the clubhead to the bottom of the grip. |
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What You'll Learn
- In competitive golf, gimmies are not allowed, except in match play
- Gimmies are allowed in recreational golf, but only if your opponent agrees
- Gimmies speed up the game, especially when there are groups waiting behind you
- Gimmies are not allowed when posting a score for handicapping purposes
- Gimmies are based on tradition, not rules, so golfers have different interpretations
In competitive golf, gimmies are not allowed, except in match play
The concept of a "gimme" in golf is based on tradition, not rules. A gimme is a short putt that one golfer asks another golfer or golfers to count as made, without forcing them to actually stroke the ball into the cup.
While gimmes are commonly used in recreational rounds of golf between friends, they are not allowed in competitive golf, except in match play. In formats such as medal (stroke) play, stableford competition, or any other format where a player's handicap is calculated, gimmes are not permitted. Golfers must complete each hole in full, including finishing each putt, regardless of its length.
However, in match play, it is common for golfers to concede their opponent's next stroke, particularly with short putts. This is considered a concession in the rules and is allowed in match play. It is important to note that a gimme must be awarded by the opponent before it is accepted.
Some golfers may choose to be lenient and allow gimmes in certain situations, such as when there are groups waiting on the tee box or when playing with someone unfamiliar with the course, to speed up the game. The length of a gimme can vary, but it is often considered to be within two to three feet of the cup or inside the leather of a standard length putter.
While gimmes can be good for speeding up play, some golfers argue that they should not be used in competitive golf to maintain fairness and integrity in the game.
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Gimmies are allowed in recreational golf, but only if your opponent agrees
While gimmes are not allowed in professional golf, they are a common occurrence in recreational golf. However, it is important to note that even in recreational golf, gimmes are not officially part of the Rules of Golf. Instead, they are based on tradition and the honour system.
Gimmes are typically granted as an act of goodwill and sportsmanship, particularly when there are two groups waiting on the tee box behind you. They are meant to speed up the game and improve the flow of play. While you can request a gimme, it is generally considered better etiquette to allow your opponent to offer it to you. This is because asking for a gimme can show a lack of sportsmanship and competitiveness, and it is always better to let your opponent assume the role of the "gentleman".
The length of a putt that qualifies as a gimme varies depending on the group of golfers. Some common standards include putts that are within two feet or 2.5 feet of the cup, or within the length of a standard putter. However, it is important to clarify the group's definition of a gimme before starting the round to avoid any misunderstandings.
It is worth noting that while gimmes are allowed in recreational golf, it is still up to the opponent to agree to it. If your opponent does not offer a gimme or remains silent, you should putt the ball out. Additionally, gimmes are not permitted when posting a general play score for handicapping purposes, as golfers must complete each hole in full and register their intent to do so beforehand.
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Gimmies speed up the game, especially when there are groups waiting behind you
While the concept of a "gimme" in golf is not an official rule, it is a widely accepted tradition in casual games. A "gimme" refers to when a golfer's playing companions allow them to count a short putt as made without requiring them to physically stroke the ball into the cup. This practice is particularly useful for speeding up the game when there are groups waiting behind.
In competitive formats, gimmes are generally not permitted, with the exception of match play. In match play, a golfer can concede their opponent's next stroke or hole, but this concession must be clearly communicated and accepted by the opponent.
In casual rounds among friends, gimmes are often used to expedite play and maintain a good pace for the groups behind. Some golfers have their own rules for when a gimme is appropriate, such as when the putt is within a certain distance from the cup or within the length of the grip on the top end of the putter. Others may be more lenient depending on the players' skill level or familiarity with the course.
While gimmes can speed up the game, it is important to consider the context and the group's preferences. Some golfers may prefer to putt everything out to maintain fairness and avoid any potential discomfort or disagreement. Ultimately, the decision to use gimmes rests with the golfers involved and their agreement on what constitutes a gimme in their game.
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Gimmies are not allowed when posting a score for handicapping purposes
While gimmes are allowed in match play, they are not permitted in any other competitive format. This includes medal (stroke) play, stableford competition, or any other format in which a player's handicap is calculated.
Gimmes are based on tradition, not rules, and are often seen in recreational rounds of golf between friends. However, if you are playing a medal or stroke play round, you must complete each hole in full, including finishing each putt, regardless of its length. The same rules apply in a stableford round, but if the putt is not worth any points, you do not have to attempt a stroke and will be deemed to have zero points for that hole.
As part of the World Handicap System (WHS), golfers must complete each hole in full when posting a general play score for handicapping purposes. Golfers must register their intent to play by the rules, which includes putting out on every green, beforehand. This can be done via the MyEG app or in person with an official at the club.
While gimmes may be common in friendly, non-competitive rounds, it is important to note that they are not allowed when posting a score for handicapping purposes. Therefore, if you are given a gimme in a situation where you need to putt for your handicap, you can politely decline by saying something like, "I need to putt this for my handicap. I appreciate it, but I want to be fair to myself."
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Gimmies are based on tradition, not rules, so golfers have different interpretations
While gimmes are not mentioned in the official rules of golf, they are a common tradition in the sport. As a result, golfers have different interpretations of when and how they should be used.
Gimmes are typically used in recreational rounds of golf between friends. In these informal settings, golfers may ask their playing partners for a gimme on a short putt, and their opponents may concede the putt without requiring them to actually stroke the ball. However, it is important to note that gimmes are not allowed in competitive formats such as medal (stroke) play, stableford competitions, or any format where a player's handicap is calculated. The only exception is match play, where a gimme must be awarded by the opponent before it is accepted.
The use of gimmes is often justified as a way to speed up play, especially when there are groups waiting behind. Some golfers use the “inside the leather” rule, where a putt that is shorter than the length of the grip on the top end of the putter or the length of the putter itself is considered a gimme. Others may have different interpretations of what qualifies as a gimme, such as any putt within three feet.
Ultimately, the decision to give or accept a gimme is up to the individual golfers and the specific context of the game. It is important to respect the preferences of your playing partners and maintain good sportsmanship, whether you are giving or receiving gimmes.
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Frequently asked questions
A gimme in golf is when a golfer asks another golfer or golfers to count a short putt as made, without forcing them to actually stroke the ball into the cup.
Gimmies are not allowed under the official rules of golf. However, in casual or friendly games, golfers may choose to allow gimmies. The only competitive format that permits the use of a gimme is match play.
If a putt is "inside the leather", it is considered a gimme in groups that allow gimmies. "Inside the leather" means that the putt is shorter than the length of the grip on the top end of the putter.
If you have to ask for a gimme, it's not a gimme. It is generally considered poor etiquette to ask for a gimme, as it indicates that you dislike short putts.
Yes, it is perfectly legitimate to decline a gimme. You can simply say something like, "I need to putt this for my handicap. I appreciate it, but I want to be fair to myself."
