Miles Bennett
In golf, a gimme is a shot that other players agree can count automatically without being played. While there are no official rules regarding gimmes, they are generally considered to be within 2-3 feet and are often granted as a sign of goodwill and sportsmanship. However, gimmes are not allowed in competitive stroke play events and are more common outside the professional game. So, are there gimmies in pro golf? The answer is nuanced. While gimmes may be granted in certain professional contexts as a matter of etiquette, they are not officially recognized in the Rules of Golf, and their use is subject to debate among golfers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A gimme is a shot that the other players agree can count automatically without being played. |
| Distance | There is no standard distance for a gimme. Some sources suggest 6 inches, 2 feet, 2.5 feet, or 3 feet. |
| Use | Gimmes are used to save time and are a display of sportsmanship. |
| Rules | Gimmes are not allowed in stroke play, but they are common in casual matches. There are no official rules regarding gimmes. |
| Conceded Putt vs. Gimme Putt | Conceded putts are an approved part of match play, whereas gimme putts are not officially recognized in the Rules of Golf. |
| Professional Golf | Gimmes are uncommon in professional golf but are not unheard of, as evidenced by their presence in the Ryder Cup. |
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What You'll Learn
The difference between gimme and conceded putts
Although the terms "gimme" and "conceded putt" are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between the two. A gimme is a putt that is deemed so short that it is considered unmissable. The term "gimme" is derived from "'give me', where a golfer can ask their competitor, "that's a gimme?". It is a gentleman's agreement and an act of goodwill, speeding up the game for everyone on the golf course. There are no official rules regarding gimmes, and they are not mentioned in the Rules of Golf.
On the other hand, conceded putts are an approved part of match play and are mentioned in the Rules of Golf. In match play, your opponent can tell you to count the putt as made and pick up your golf ball. Conceded putts are a way to show good sportsmanship and are often used to speed up the game.
It is important to note that gimmes and conceded putts are not the same as "auto-gimmes". Auto-gimmes are when a player automatically assumes their short putt will be given to them without asking their opponent, which is not in line with the spirit of the game.
The distance from which a putt is considered a gimme varies depending on the player's skill level and the context of the game. For most people, a gimme is considered to be within 2 feet, while for pros, it is within 3 feet. Some sources suggest that a gimme is any putt within the putter-length of the hole, while others define it as a putt that the player makes 99% of the time.
In professional golf, gimmes are not officially recognised, but concessions are common in match play tournaments such as the Ryder Cup. Concessions are similar to gimmes but must be clearly communicated by the opponent.
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When to grant a gimme
While there are no gimmes in pro golf, they are common in recreational golf. A gimme is a putt that is so short that it is considered unmissable. Granting a gimme to your competitor is an act of goodwill and sportsmanship, and it also speeds up the game for everyone on the course.
There are no official rules regarding gimmes, and it is up to the players to decide whether to grant them. It is generally considered good etiquette to have an understanding about gimmes before teeing off, such as agreeing to award every putt within a putter-length of the hole as a gimme or deciding on a hole-by-hole basis.
When deciding whether to grant a gimme, it is important to consider the context and common sense. For example, a six-inch putt is generally considered good in every instance, while a two-footer may depend on various factors. These factors can include how slippery the putt is, how serious the match is, and whether you are holding up play.
It is also worth noting that gimmes are typically more common on the front nine than the back nine. This can set an affable tone for the round while also putting extra pressure on your opponent when they need to make a short putt towards the end of the match.
Finally, while you can request a gimme, it is generally considered better to allow your opponent to grant it to you. This maintains the spirit of goodwill and sportsmanship that gimmes are intended to embody.
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The controversy around gimmes
While gimmes are not allowed by the rules in stroke play, they are common in casual matches. A gimme is a shot that other players agree can count automatically without being played. When a player has a very short putt left, other players may grant a gimme, counting it as one stroke, but the ball is not played. This speeds up the game and is considered a goodwill gesture. However, there are no official rules or standard distances for gimmes, leading to controversy and mixed opinions among golfers.
Some golfers believe that gimmes should never be offered or accepted, even for short putts, as even professionals can miss. They argue that paying for golf means getting their money's worth by playing every shot. Additionally, there is a fine line between sportsmanship and competitiveness, and granting or withholding gimmes can impact the dynamic of the game.
The lack of clear guidelines for gimmes can lead to disagreements and confusion among players. The decision to grant a gimme depends on various factors, including the opponent's generosity and the value of the putt in relation to the match score. The distance for a gimme is typically considered to be within 2 to 3 feet, but this is not universally agreed upon, and some golfers prefer to putt everything out.
To address the controversy, some sources suggest defining gimmes as putts with a 99%+ success rate, which is approximately 2 feet for most people and 3 feet for pros. Others propose a more lenient definition of "inside the leather," which refers to the distance from the bottom of the putter grip to the putter head. However, this distance may still be challenging if there is a slope on the green.
Ultimately, the decision to offer or accept a gimme depends on the players' mutual agreement and the specific context of the match. While gimmes are not officially recognized in professional golf, they remain a part of match play and recreational golf, adding an element of sportsmanship and camaraderie to the game.
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The definition of a gimme
In golf, a "gimme" is an unplayed stroke that is agreed to by all players and counted as if it had been played. It is typically used when a player's ball is very close to the hole and it is expected that the player would make the next stroke. The term "gimme" is believed to have originated from the phrase "give me," indicating that the player is requesting that the putt be conceded.
Gimmies are commonly used in casual golf games to speed up play and avoid the time and effort of putting out when the outcome is seemingly obvious. It is considered good etiquette to only ask for a gimme when your putt is short enough that missing it would be unlikely, even if you tried. The exact distance that qualifies as a gimme can vary depending on the skill level and agreement of the players involved.
In professional golf, the rules are stricter, and players are generally expected to play out every stroke. Gimmies are not officially recognized in the Rules of Golf, and all strokes, regardless of distance, must be played or holed out. This ensures integrity in scoring and maintains the competitive nature of the game. However, in certain team formats like foursomes or four-ball, it is not uncommon for players to concede short putts to their opponents to display good sportsmanship and speed up play.
While the concept of a gimme is not officially applied in professional tournaments, there are situations where a "gimme-distance" comes into play. In match play formats, when one player leads by a number of holes that cannot be equaled or surpassed by the remaining holes to be played, the match is deemed concluded, and the remaining holes are not played. This distance is often referred to as "being dormie," indicating that the leading player is assured of at least a tie in the match.
It's worth noting that the use of gimmies can vary depending on the level of competition and local rules established by golf courses or tournament organizers. Some tournaments at the amateur level may allow gimmies to expedite pace of play, especially if the event involves a large number of participants. It is always important to clarify any agreements or concessions made before the start of a round to ensure all players are comfortable with the expectations.
Lastly, it is important to understand that the concept of a gimme is rooted in trust, honor, and the integrity of golfers. While it can speed up play and add a level of comfort or courtesy between playing partners, it should never be abused or expected. Good golfers understand the balance between using gimmies sparingly and playing by the strict rules of the game.
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Gimmes in professional golf tournaments
In golf, a gimme is a shot that the other players agree can count automatically without being played. When a player has only a very short putt left to play, other players may grant a gimme, but the ball is not played. A gimme is a time-saving convention under the tacit assumption that the putt would not have been missed, e.g., when the ball is within a few inches of the hole.
Gimmes are not allowed by the rules in stroke play, though the practice is common in casual matches. There are no official rules regarding gimmes, and they are considered an act of goodwill and sportsmanship. They are more common outside the professional game.
There is no consensus on what qualifies as a gimme, but it is generally considered to be within 2.5 feet, or within the length of the putter shaft, or within 12 inches. Some sources state that gimmes are not given in professional golf or when money is at stake. However, one source mentions that the 'gimme' is still in play at the Ryder Cup, a professional golf tournament.
Gimmes are similar to conceded putts, which are an approved part of match play but not stroke play. Conceded putts are covered by the Rules of Golf, whereas gimme putts are not.
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Frequently asked questions
A "gimme" is a shot that the other players agree can count automatically without being played. When a player has only a very short putt left to play, other players may grant a gimme (i.e., one stroke is counted), but the ball is not played.
No, there are no official rules regarding gimmes. However, they are not allowed by the rules in stroke play, though they are common in casual matches and match play.
The distance for a gimme is usually considered to be within 2.5 feet, or within the steel part of the putter shaft. Some say that a gimme is defined as the distance from which you make 99%+ of putts.
Yes, gimmes exist in pro golf. However, they are more common outside of the professional game.
Gimmes are a time-saving convention and bring an element of sportsmanship and goodwill to the game.
