If you’ve ever played golf with friends, you’ve probably heard someone say, “That’s a gimme.” It’s one of the most common phrases in recreational golf, but many beginners are unsure what it actually means or whether it’s allowed under the Rules of Golf.
In this guide, we’ll explain what a gimme in golf is, when it can be used, when it isn’t allowed and how golfers typically use gimmes during casual rounds.
What Is a Gimme in Golf?
A gimme is an informal agreement between golfers that allows a player to count a very short putt as holed without actually putting the ball into the hole.
The idea is that the putt is considered so short that it is almost certain to be made. Instead of taking the stroke, another player simply says something like:
- “That’s good.”
- “Pick it up.”
- “I’ll give you that one.”
The player then picks up their golf ball and records the next stroke as if they had holed the putt.
Gimmes are commonly used during friendly rounds to help speed up play and keep the game flowing.
Are Gimmes Part of the Official Rules of Golf?
No.
Under the official R&A Rules of Golf, which are used throughout the UK, gimmes are not permitted in stroke play competitions.
Every player must hole out on every hole unless they are playing a format, such as Stableford, where they can no longer score any points and choose to pick up their ball.
If you are submitting a score for your handicap or playing in a stroke play competition, every putt must be completed.
When Can You Use a Gimme?
Gimmes are almost always used during casual rounds with friends.
Before the round begins, many groups agree that putts within a certain distance can be picked up. There is no official measurement, but common examples include:
- Inside the length of a putter grip.
- Within a putter head.
- Around 30 centimetres (1 foot) from the hole.
Every group has its own preference, so it’s always best to agree the rules before teeing off.
Using gimmes during social golf helps maintain a good pace of play and can make the round more enjoyable, particularly for beginners.
Can You Use Gimmes in Match Play?
Yes, but there is an important difference.
In match play, a player is allowed to concede an opponent’s next stroke, including a short putt.
This is an official Rule of Golf and is not the same as an informal gimme between friends.
Once a putt has been conceded:
- The player does not have to hole the putt.
- The stroke counts as holed.
- The concession cannot be withdrawn.
Concessions are only allowed in match play and are part of the official Rules of Golf.
When Can’t You Use a Gimme?
There are several situations where gimmes should not be used.
You should not use gimmes when:
- Playing an official stroke play competition.
- Submitting a score for your World Handicap.
- Playing in a club medal.
- Participating in most qualifying competitions.
In these situations, every player must hole out unless another Rule of Golf allows them to pick up.
Using a gimme during a qualifying competition could result in an incorrect score being returned.
Why Do Golfers Use Gimmes?
Although they are not recognised in stroke play, gimmes remain popular during recreational golf.
Many golfers use them because they:
- Speed up the pace of play.
- Reduce unnecessary delays on the greens.
- Keep social rounds relaxed.
- Help beginners enjoy the game.
- Avoid spending time over extremely short putts.
- Avoids putting into a hole filled with water.
As long as everyone agrees before the round, gimmes can make casual golf more enjoyable.
Common Mistakes Golfers Make
Many new golfers misunderstand how gimmes work.
Some common mistakes include:
- Assuming gimmes are allowed in competitions.
- Picking up the ball without agreement from playing partners.
- Using gimmes when submitting a handicap score.
- Confusing a casual gimme with an official match play concession.
- Assuming every short putt is automatically a gimme.
- Not scoring the ‘gimme’ as a stroke effectively reducing your hole by 1 shot.
Understanding the difference between casual golf and competitive golf will help you avoid unnecessary penalties.
Tips for Using Gimmes During Casual Golf
If you’re playing a friendly round with friends, these simple guidelines can help.
- Agree before the round whether gimmes will be used.
- Decide what distance counts as a gimme.
- Apply the same rule to every player.
- If there’s any doubt, putt it out.
- Remember that gimmes are for enjoyment, not for official scoring.
Keeping the rules consistent helps avoid disagreements later in the round.
Final Thoughts
A gimme in golf is one of the most common traditions in casual golf, allowing players to pick up very short putts without holing out.
While gimmes are widely accepted during friendly rounds with friends, they are not part of the official Rules of Golf for stroke play competitions. If you’re playing in a competition or submitting a score for your handicap, every stroke counts and every putt must be holed.
For casual golf, however, agreeing to use gimmes before your round can help improve the pace of play and keep the game relaxed and enjoyable for everyone.
Whether you choose to play gimmes or putt out every hole, understanding when they are and are not permitted will help you play the game correctly and with confidence.
