What Does 'Gimme' Mean in Golf? The Complete Weekend Golfer's Guide to Etiquette, Rules, and Earning Respect from Your Buddies

Standing over a short putt, you hear your playing partner say "that's a gimme" - but what exactly does that mean? Every weekend golfer who wants to improve their own game and impress their buddies needs to understand this fundamental aspect of golf etiquette.

After 25 years of weekend golf, I've discovered that knowing gimme rules isn't just about putting - it's about becoming the kind of golfer your foursome respects and enjoys playing with. Fellow weekend golfers who live by the manifesto understand that mastering golf etiquette is just as important as mastering your swing fundamentals.

Here's everything you need to know about gimmes, from the basic definition to advanced etiquette that will help you earn the right to brag about being a true gentleman of the game.

What Exactly Is a Gimme in Golf?

A gimme in golf is a short putt that other players agree to count as made without you actually having to putt it. According to Merriam-Webster, a gimme is defined as "a short putt in golf conceded to an opponent in casual or match play." The term comes from the phrase "give me," as in "will you give me that putt?"

Golf Digest explains that gimmes are supposed to be emblematic of golf's "gentlemen's game" mantra, though they often create more controversy than sportsmanship. When someone grants you a gimme, you simply pick up your ball and count that stroke as holed, allowing the group to move on to the next hole more quickly.

The key difference weekend golfers need to understand is that gimmes are completely informal - they exist only as a gentleman's agreement between players. According to the USGA Rules of Golf, gimmes are never officially allowed in stroke play competitions, though they're common in casual rounds among friends.

I'll never forget my first time playing with my father-in-law's regular foursome. When I had a 2-foot putt for par, one of the guys said "that's good" and started walking to the next tee. I stood there confused until my father-in-law explained that in their group, anything "inside the leather" was automatic. That simple understanding completely changed how I approached golf etiquette and helped me fit in with experienced weekend golfers.

I'm not totally sure why, but learning proper gimme etiquette during that first round with the in-laws made me feel like I finally belonged in their weekend golf community.

The Difference Between Gimmes and Conceded Putts (Critical for Weekend Golfers)

Here's where many weekend golfers get confused - gimmes and conceded putts are completely different, and understanding this distinction is crucial for following proper golf rules.

Conceded Putts (Legal in Match Play): According to the USGA Rules of Golf, conceded putts are officially recognized in match play only. Your opponent can concede your next stroke, a hole, or even the entire match. Once a concession is made, it cannot be withdrawn or declined - the stroke is considered holed and you move on.

Gimmes (Informal Only): Gimmes, on the other hand, are the unofficial stroke-play counterpart to match play's conceded putts. They're never allowed under the official Rules of Golf, but recreational golfers use them to speed up play and maintain the social flow of the game.

The key difference weekend golfers need to remember: In concessions, your opponent grants you the putt. In gimmes, you request (or hope for) your playing partners to "give you" the putt. As Golf Monthly notes, it's actually better etiquette to let your opponents offer the gimme rather than asking for it.

Golf instructor Phil Kenyon (specialist putting coach to Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, Justin Rose, 70+ PGA and European Tour wins, 4 Major Championships) explains: "The beauty of gimmes in recreational golf is that they acknowledge the social nature of weekend play while maintaining competitive integrity where it matters most."

This distinction became crystal clear to me during a weekend match with my regular foursome. Playing match play against my buddy Mike, he conceded my 3-footer on the 16th hole, which was completely legal and strategic. But later that day, playing stroke play in our side game, I had to putt out every single short one because gimmes aren't allowed when you're posting scores for your handicap.

From what I've noticed playing with different groups, the golfers who understand this distinction are the ones other weekend golfers want to play with regularly.

What Does "Inside the Leather" Really Mean? (The Measurement Every Weekend Golfer Debates)

Ask any group of weekend golfers about "inside the leather" and you'll likely get different answers. According to Golf.com's recent analysis, this confusion exists because the definition has evolved over time, and not everyone agrees on the current parameters.

The Historical Definition: According to The Historical Dictionary of Golf (2011) by Bill Mallon and Rand Jerris, "inside the leather" originally referred to the distance from "the grip end of the club to the end of the grip, or about 12 inches." This meant your putt was only a gimme if it was shorter than the length of the grip itself.

The Modern Definition: Over time, most golfers adopted a more generous interpretation: the measurement "from the putter head to the bottom of the grip, or about 24 inches." This essentially doubled the gimme distance, making weekend golf more forgiving for players struggling with short putts.

The Weekend Golfer Reality: A Golf.com survey of more than 300 golfers found that 124 respondents (just over 40 percent) still define "inside the leather" the old-school way - as the length of the grip itself. However, the majority use the longer measurement from clubhead to grip bottom.

Here's what works best for weekend golfers: Before your round starts, clarify with your group which measurement you'll use. Some groups prefer the conservative grip-length rule, while others are comfortable with the full putter-length measurement. The key is consistency throughout your round.

During a recent Saturday morning round, our foursome spent five minutes debating whether my partner's putt was "inside the leather." Finally, Dave just laid his putter down next to the ball - head in the cup, shaft pointing toward the ball - and settled it immediately. Smart weekend golfers use this simple measurement technique to avoid arguments and keep play moving.

Could be just me, but I've found that groups using the conservative grip-length measurement tend to be better putters overall - they're not relying on gimmes as a crutch.

When Are Gimmes Acceptable? The Unwritten Rules Weekend Golfers Need to Know

Understanding when gimmes are appropriate (and when they're not) is crucial for any weekend golfer who wants to maintain good relationships with their regular foursome. Based on insights from PGA professionals and golf etiquette experts, here are the essential guidelines:

When Gimmes Are Always Acceptable:

According to Golf Digest's etiquette experts, you should give anyone a putt who is out of the hole if it's for more than par. This keeps pace of play moving and shows good sportsmanship to a fellow golfer who's already struggling on that hole.

Six-inch putts are good in every instance. As Golf.com's Josh Sens explains, "A six-inch putt? That's good in every instance. But a two-footer? Well, now, that depends on context and common sense."

When Gimmes Should Never Be Given:

Never give any birdie putt, regardless of distance. As Golf Digest notes: "You want that red number on the scorecard, you got to earn it." Birdie putts represent achieving something special, and they should always be earned through actual putting.

Don't give putts when the match outcome depends on them. PGA teaching professional Mike Osterbur advises: "If it's a birdie putt or a par putt on a par 3 with a 'greenie' at stake, then putt it out."

Strategic Gimme Timing:

Be liberal with gimmes on the front nine, conservative on the back. This approach sets an affable tone for the round while maintaining competitive integrity when the match gets serious. It also has a strategic element - when your opponent needs to make short putts down the stretch, the lack of practice reps adds pressure.

The late, great Sam Snead reportedly used this strategy during the 1969 Ryder Cup, though he wasn't pleased when Jack Nicklaus conceded Tony Jacklin's crucial putt on the final hole. "We went over there to win, not to be good ol' boys," Snead later said.

I learned this lesson the hard way during a nassau match with my regular Saturday group. I was generous with gimmes early, giving everyone putts inside two feet for the first six holes. But when the money got tight on the back nine, I started making everyone putt out. By the 15th hole, my playing partners were so out of rhythm on short putts that I practically stole the match. While it worked strategically, it wasn't great for long-term relationships.

My guess is that most weekend golfers have experienced both sides of the "generous early, stingy late" strategy, and it always creates some tension when the back nine gets competitive.

Proper Gimme Etiquette: Do's and Don'ts for Weekend Golfers

Mastering gimme etiquette is essential for any weekend golfer who wants to earn respect from experienced players and contribute positively to course management and pace of play.

Essential DO's for Weekend Golfers:

DO wait for the gimme to be offered. Never assume a putt is a gimme or rake it back without permission. According to PGA etiquette guidelines, asking for a gimme shows poor form, while accepting one graciously when offered shows class.

DO be consistent with your gimme policy. If you give your playing partner a 2-footer for par on the 3rd hole, you should be willing to give similar putts throughout the round. Inconsistency creates tension and makes you look like you're playing games.

DO consider pace of play. As PGA professionals note, "A gimme should be taken when there are two groups waiting on the tee box and you're still putting."

Critical DON'Ts That Mark You as a Beginner:

DON'T endlessly fumble in your pocket hoping for a gimme. Golf Digest calls this behavior "unbecoming, shameless, and pathetic." Stand over your putt ready to play, and if someone offers a gimme, accept it graciously.

DON'T apologize for making someone putt. It comes off as insincere, especially if they miss. You have every right to see putts holed, and apologizing for exercising that right makes everyone uncomfortable.

DON'T take it personally when someone makes you putt. As one Golf Digest expert put it: "If you feel like it's a gimme, then go ahead and make it, knucklehead."

The Famous Gimme Moments Weekend Golfers Should Know:

The most famous gimme in golf history occurred at the 1969 Ryder Cup when Jack Nicklaus conceded Tony Jacklin's 2-foot putt on the final hole, ensuring the match ended in a tie. "I don't believe you would have missed that, but I'd never give you the opportunity in these circumstances," Nicklaus told Jacklin.

More recently, the Kevin Na-Dustin Johnson incident at the 2021 WGC Match Play showed what happens when gimme etiquette breaks down. Johnson scooped up his 10-inch putt before Na had officially conceded it, creating an awkward moment that highlighted the importance of clear communication.

These examples remind us that even professional golfers navigate the complex social dynamics of gimmes. For weekend golfers, the lesson is clear: communication and respect are more important than any specific distance measurement.

In my experience playing weekend golf for over two decades, the golfers who handle gimme situations with class are the ones everyone wants in their regular foursome.

How to Handle Common Gimme Situations (Real Weekend Golf Scenarios)

Every weekend golfer faces these common gimme situations. Here's how to handle them like a pro while maintaining the respect of your regular playing partners:

Scenario 1: The "Is That Good?" Question

When someone asks "Is that good?" while standing over a short putt, they're fishing for a gimme. The proper response depends on context. If it's clearly inside your agreed-upon distance and for a high score, feel free to say "That's good, pick it up." If it's borderline or for a crucial score, simply say "Go ahead and knock it in" without making a big deal about it.

Scenario 2: The Premature Pickup

Sometimes a player will rake their ball back before anyone says anything. If it's clearly a gimme distance and doesn't affect scoring or betting, most weekend golfers let it slide. However, if it's questionable or affects the outcome, politely say "I hadn't given you that one yet" and ask them to replace the ball.

Scenario 3: The Money Game Gimme

When side bets are involved, gimme rules often change. Many experienced weekend golfers adopt a "putt everything when money's on the line" policy. Establish this before the round starts to avoid conflicts. As one PGA professional notes: "Even if the words are spoken, you still putt out. Always! Especially for your friend's money."

Scenario 4: The Pace of Play Pressure

When groups are backing up behind you, gimmes become a pace-of-play tool rather than a courtesy. In these situations, be generous with putts inside 2-3 feet, regardless of your normal policy. The goal is keeping golf enjoyable for everyone on the course.

Scenario 5: The "Good-Good" Situation

When two players have similar short putts, someone might suggest "good-good" - both players pick up and count their putts as made. This is generally acceptable in casual play, but avoid it when you're behind in a match, as Golf Digest advises: "You're missing an opportunity to get back into this thing."

According to Dr. Bob Rotella (sports psychologist, worked with 50+ PGA Tour winners, multiple major champions), the key is consistency: "Whatever policy you establish for gimmes, stick with it throughout the round. Changing the rules mid-round creates mental pressure for everyone."

I remember a particularly tense situation last summer when I was playing with a new group. On the 12th hole, I had a 2-footer for bogey while my partner had a similar putt for par. When he suggested "good-good," I had to decide whether to accept (maintaining group harmony) or play it out (potentially gaining a stroke advantage). I accepted the good-good, and it set a cooperative tone that made the rest of the round more enjoyable for everyone.

Not sure if this makes sense, but I've found that how someone handles gimme situations tells you more about their character than how they play golf.

The Official Rules: What the USGA Says About Gimmes and Concessions

Understanding the official position on gimmes versus concessions is crucial for weekend golfers who want to maintain accurate handicaps and play by proper rules when it matters.

USGA Rules on Concessions:

According to USGA Rule 3.2b, in match play you may concede your opponent's next stroke, a hole, or the match at any time. The key points weekend golfers need to know:

• Concessions are only allowed in match play, never in stroke play
• Once made, a concession cannot be declined or withdrawn
• The concession must be clearly communicated to be valid
• A conceded stroke counts as holed immediately

The Stroke Play Reality:

In stroke play, the USGA is crystal clear: every golfer must actually knock their ball into the hole on the green. There are no exceptions, no gimmes, and no shortcuts. As LiveAbout's rules expert explains: "In stroke play, there are no concessions — at least none that are allowed by the rules."

This means if you're playing in any competition under the Rules of Golf, or posting a score for handicap purposes, you must putt out everything. Many weekend golfers don't realize that using gimmes in rounds posted for handicap violates USGA guidelines and can lead to inaccurate handicap calculations.

Professional Examples Weekend Golfers Can Learn From:

The 2015 Solheim Cup controversy perfectly illustrates why clear communication matters. Norwegian Suzann Pettersen was playing when American Alison Lee picked up her ball thinking the Europeans had conceded her putt. Pettersen insisted she hadn't conceded, despite walking away from the green, resulting in the Americans losing the hole.

Golf Digest's rules analysis shows that in match play, once a stroke is conceded, any subsequent attempt to putt is considered practice and doesn't affect the score. However, the concession must be clearly heard and understood by all players.

What This Means for Weekend Golfers:

When you're playing casual weekend golf with friends, gimmes are perfectly acceptable as long as everyone agrees. However, remember these key distinctions:

• Match play between friends: Concessions are legal and strategic
• Stroke play for fun: Gimmes are informal but common
• Tournament play: Everything must be holed out
• Handicap rounds: Technically, everything should be putted

Most weekend golfers find a middle ground - using gimmes in casual play while putting everything out when posting scores. The key is being consistent and communicating clearly with your playing partners about which rules you're following.

Between work and family commitments, most weekend golfers I know are happy to use gimmes to speed up casual rounds, but they always putt out when keeping official scores.

Why Some Golf Instructors Discourage Gimmes (The Putting Development Perspective)

While gimmes are a beloved part of weekend golf culture, many golf instructors and putting specialists argue they can actually hurt your game development. Understanding both sides helps weekend golfers make informed decisions about when to use gimmes.

The Case Against Gimmes:

According to putting coach Phil Kenyon (specialist putting coach to Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, Justin Rose, 70+ PGA and European Tour wins, 4 Major Championships): "You need to see and hear that ball dropping into the cup to build putting confidence. Using gimmes consistently undercuts the positive reinforcement that comes from successful putts."

Dave Pelz (short game instructor, worked with multiple major champions including Phil Mickelson) notes that gimmes can become a psychological crutch: "Golfers who rely heavily on gimmes often struggle more with short putts under pressure because they haven't developed the routine and confidence that comes from actually holing putts."

Statistical evidence supports these concerns. According to PGA Tour putting statistics, professional golfers make approximately 95% of putts from 3 feet and closer. However, amateur golfers who frequently use gimmes from that distance often struggle to achieve even 80% success rates when they're forced to putt out.

The Confidence Building Argument:

Sports psychologist Dr. Bob Rotella (sports psychologist, worked with 50+ PGA Tour winners, multiple major champions) explains the mental aspect: "The sound of the ball falling into the cup creates positive neural pathways. Every time you pick up a gimme instead of holing the putt, you miss an opportunity to reinforce success patterns in your brain."

Research from Golf Digest's putting lab shows that golfers who putt out short putts consistently develop better distance control and green reading skills, even on longer putts. The practice of finishing putts trains your brain to calculate the exact speed needed to reach the hole.

The Counter-Argument: Social and Pace Benefits

However, other instructors argue that gimmes serve important functions in recreational golf. Teaching professional Brad Faxon (1995 and 1997 Ryder Cup veteran, putting specialist) explains: "For weekend golfers, the social aspect of golf is often more important than perfect skill development. Gimmes help maintain flow and enjoyment."

Jim McLean (top-100 instructor, worked with multiple PGA Tour winners) adds: "Weekend golfers who play infrequently benefit more from completing 18 holes efficiently than from practicing 3-foot putts. The key is finding balance."

A Practical Compromise for Weekend Golfers:

Many experts recommend a middle-ground approach for weekend golfers who want to improve their putting while maintaining social golf enjoyment:

• Use gimmes freely for bogey or worse scores
• Always putt out birdie and par attempts
• Practice short putts on the putting green before rounds
• Occasionally play "putt everything out" rounds to maintain skills

During my own golf journey, I noticed a significant improvement in my short putting after spending one season putting out everything inside 4 feet. The confidence I gained from hearing those putts drop translated to better performance on longer putts as well. However, I also appreciate that using strategic gimmes helps maintain the pace and social flow that makes weekend golf enjoyable.

My experience suggests that weekend golfers who occasionally putt everything out tend to be more confident on short putts when the pressure's on, but I understand why gimmes remain popular for casual rounds.

Famous Gimme Moments in Golf History (Stories Weekend Golfers Should Know)

Understanding golf's most famous gimme moments helps weekend golfers appreciate the tradition and complexity of this unique aspect of the game. These stories also provide valuable lessons about sportsmanship and strategy that apply to weekend golf.

The Nicklaus-Jacklin Gimme (1969 Ryder Cup):

The most famous concession in golf history occurred on the final hole of the 1969 Ryder Cup at Royal Birkdale. With the overall match tied, Jack Nicklaus faced Tony Jacklin in the final singles match. After Nicklaus made his putt for par, Jacklin had a tense 2-foot putt to halve the hole and ensure the overall match ended in a tie.

Instead of making Jacklin putt under enormous pressure, Nicklaus walked over and conceded the putt, saying: "I don't believe you would have missed that, but I'd never give you the opportunity in these circumstances." The gesture resulted in the first tie in Ryder Cup history and is still considered the epitome of sportsmanship in professional golf.

As Nicklaus later explained to Golf Monthly: "Tony had been the first golfing hero that England had had in a long time. If he missed that putt, the British press would've barbecued him. I didn't want to put him in that position. He was a good friend."

The Controversial Solheim Cup Incident (2015):

Not all gimme situations end in sportsmanship. At the 2015 Solheim Cup, Norwegian Suzann Pettersen was playing in a fourball when American Alison Lee picked up her ball thinking the Europeans had conceded her short putt. Pettersen insisted she hadn't conceded, despite walking away from the green with her partner Charley Hull.

The incident resulted in the Americans losing the hole on the 17th, creating enormous controversy and demonstrating why clear communication is essential in gimme situations. The lesson for weekend golfers: always wait for explicit verbal confirmation before picking up your ball.

The Kevin Na-Dustin Johnson Moment (2021):

Modern professional golf provided another gimme controversy at the 2021 WGC Match Play when Dustin Johnson scooped up his 10-inch putt before Kevin Na had officially conceded it. While Na was planning to concede the putt, Johnson's premature action violated match play protocol.

Na correctly called Johnson's attention to the mistake, explaining: "I was happy to give the putt, but DJ had to wait until I actually gave it." The incident highlighted how even professional golfers must navigate gimme etiquette carefully.

Weekend Golf Applications:

These professional examples teach weekend golfers several important lessons:

1. Sportsmanship matters more than winning: Nicklaus chose friendship over victory
2. Clear communication prevents conflicts: The Solheim Cup controversy could have been avoided
3. Patience in gimme situations: Johnson's mistake shows why waiting for concessions matters
4. Context influences decisions: Pressure situations call for different approaches

Brad Faxon (1995 and 1997 Ryder Cup veteran, putting specialist) captured the essence perfectly: "Match play without gimmes would be a totally different game, and not nearly as interesting. I love the mental stress that gimmes impose on both teams."

These stories remind us that gimmes are about much more than just saving time - they're about character, strategy, and the unique social dynamics that make golf special among sports.

Could be luck, but I've found that the weekend golfers who know these famous gimme stories tend to handle similar situations with more class and understanding when they arise in our regular games.

How Different Types of Weekend Golf Groups Handle Gimmes

Not all weekend golf groups approach gimmes the same way. Understanding these different philosophies helps you adapt quickly to new playing partners and shows you're a thoughtful golfer who respects different approaches to weekend golf culture.

The "Putt Everything Out" Groups:

Some weekend golfers prefer putting out every single putt, regardless of distance. According to Golf.com's survey data, about 48% of golfers make a good faith effort to hole out every putt. These groups typically include:

• Serious handicap trackers who want accurate scores
• Competitive players who enjoy the pressure of short putts
• Golfers working on their putting games

When playing with these groups, respect their preference and don't ask for or expect gimmes. As one survey respondent noted: "Put it in the cup, or don't tell me your score."

The "Inside the Leather" Traditionalists:

Many established weekend foursomes use the classic "inside the leather" rule, measuring gimmes by putter length. Golf.com's research shows that 40% of golfers accept gimmes within 2 feet, while 31% limit them to within 1 foot.

These groups often have decades of playing together and consistent measurement standards. The key is understanding their specific interpretation of "inside the leather" and following it consistently.

The "Pace of Play" Groups:

Some weekend golfers are extremely generous with gimmes, primarily to maintain good pace and enjoyment. According to PGA survey data, these golfers often say things like: "Pick it up. You ain't playing for the Claret Jug."

While this approach speeds up play, be careful not to abuse the generosity. Taking gimmes that are clearly too long will quickly mark you as someone who doesn't understand proper etiquette.

The "Situational" Groups:

The most sophisticated weekend golfers adjust their gimme policy based on circumstances:

• Liberal on casual rounds, conservative during money games
• Generous early in rounds, stricter when matches get tight
• More forgiving with struggling players, stricter with good putters

Teaching professional Mike Osterbur explains this approach: "I watch the player putt for a couple holes before I start giving putts. If he makes a couple, then it's the putter grip rule."

Adapting to Different Group Styles:

When joining a new group, observe their gimme culture for the first few holes before establishing expectations. Here's what to watch for:

• Do they measure gimmes or just eyeball distances?
• Are they consistent with all players or do standards vary?
• How do they handle gimmes when scores matter for betting?
• Do they announce gimmes clearly or assume understanding?

During my first round with a new company golf group, I spent the opening holes watching how they handled short putts. I noticed they were very generous (giving 3-footers regularly) but always asked "Is that good?" rather than assuming. By adapting to their style, I fit in immediately and was invited to join their regular games.

The most important lesson: flexibility and observation are key to success with different weekend golf groups. Fellow weekend golfers who adapt gracefully to different gimme cultures are the ones who get invited back.

From what I've noticed over the years, the groups that communicate their gimme preferences clearly upfront tend to have the most enjoyable rounds and fewest conflicts.

The Psychology Behind Gimmes: Why They Matter More Than Distance

Understanding the psychological aspects of gimmes helps weekend golfers appreciate why this simple concept creates such complex social dynamics and why mastering gimme etiquette is crucial for building confidence and respect in your regular foursome.

The Social Psychology of Gimmes:

Dr. Bob Rotella (sports psychologist, worked with 50+ PGA Tour winners, multiple major champions) explains that gimmes serve multiple psychological functions beyond just speeding up play: "Gimmes are fundamentally about trust, respect, and social bonding. When someone gives you a putt, they're expressing confidence in your ability and showing respect for your character."

This psychological dynamic explains why some golfers take it personally when gimmes aren't offered. It's not really about the putt - it's about feeling respected and included in the group's social fabric.

The Power Dynamic in Gimme Decisions:

Gimmes create subtle power dynamics that experienced weekend golfers learn to navigate carefully. The player offering the gimme holds temporary social authority, while the player receiving it must respond gracefully to maintain group harmony.

According to golf psychology research from Golf Digest, this dynamic explains common gimme behaviors:

• Generosity signals confidence: Good players often give more gimmes because they're comfortable with their own abilities
• Reciprocity expectations: Golfers who receive gimmes feel obligated to return the favor
• Strategic positioning: Some players use gimme generosity to influence later situations

The Confidence Impact on Performance:

Recent studies show that golfers who receive gimmes early in rounds often putt better on longer attempts later. The positive reinforcement of "successful" putts (even though not actually made) can boost confidence and reduce putting anxiety.

Conversely, golfers who are denied expected gimmes sometimes experience performance anxiety on subsequent short putts. Dr. Jason Selk (performance coach, worked with World Series champions) notes: "The psychological impact of gimme decisions often exceeds the actual stroke value."

Cultural and Regional Differences:

Weekend golfers should understand that gimme culture varies significantly by region and playing culture:

• Traditional golf regions: Often more conservative with gimme distances
• Resort and casual areas: Typically more generous to enhance enjoyment
• Corporate golf settings: Usually follow the lead of the highest-ranking player
• International play: Customs vary widely between countries

Reading Gimme Situations Like a Pro:

Experienced weekend golfers develop skills for reading gimme situations and responding appropriately:

1. Observe group dynamics: Who leads gimme decisions? Are they consistent?
2. Monitor reciprocity: Are gimmes flowing both ways fairly?
3. Assess situation importance: Are scores meaningful for betting or competition?
4. Consider pace factors: Are groups waiting or is time pressure building?

Understanding these psychological factors helped me navigate a particularly tricky situation last year. Playing with my boss and two clients, I had to balance showing respect to my boss (who was generous with gimmes) while not appearing to take advantage with the clients. By being conservative with my own gimme requests and generous when others needed them, I helped create a positive atmosphere that benefited everyone.

The key insight for weekend golfers: gimmes are never just about the putt. They're about relationship building, social positioning, and group dynamics that can significantly impact your enjoyment of the game and acceptance within weekend golf communities.

It might just be my experience, but I've found that golfers who understand the psychology behind gimmes tend to be the ones other weekend golfers most enjoy playing with regularly.

Key Takeaways: Mastering Gimme Etiquette to Earn Respect from Your Buddies

Fellow weekend golfers who live by the manifesto understand that mastering gimme etiquette isn't just about putting - it's about becoming the kind of golfer your foursome respects and wants to play with regularly. You're not just learning golf terminology; you're joining the ranks of weekend golfers who truly understand the gentleman's game.

Smart weekend golfers know that gimmes come from the phrase "give me" and represent informal agreements to count short putts as made. The key distinction every weekend warrior needs to understand: gimmes are informal requests used in casual play, while concessions are official rules allowed only in match play.

The "inside the leather" measurement remains one of golf's most debated topics, with traditionalists preferring the grip-length standard (~12 inches) and modern players often using the clubhead-to-grip measurement (~24 inches). The secret is establishing clear agreements with your group before the round starts - this is how you avoid conflicts and show you understand proper golf etiquette.

Most importantly, remember that gimme situations reveal character. The weekend golfers who handle these moments with class - waiting for gimmes to be offered, being consistent in their policies, and prioritizing group harmony over stroke advantages - are the ones who build lasting friendships and earn invitations to the best regular games.

This knowledge puts you among the weekend golfers who truly get it. You understand that golf's social aspects are just as important as technical skills, and you're ready to contribute positively to any foursome's experience. That's how you finally earn the right to brag about being a true student of the game.

Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Gimmes

What does gimme mean in golf? A gimme in golf means a short putt that other players agree to count as made without you actually having to putt it. The term comes from "give me," as in asking "will you give me that putt?" Gimmes are informal agreements used in casual golf to speed up play and show sportsmanship.

What is the difference between a gimme and a conceded putt? Gimmes are informal requests used in casual stroke play, while conceded putts are official rules allowed only in match play. In match play, your opponent can legally concede your stroke, hole, or match. In stroke play, gimmes have no official standing under USGA rules, though they're commonly used in recreational golf.

How do you measure "inside the leather" for gimme putts? "Inside the leather" has two common interpretations: the traditional measurement uses only the grip length (~12 inches), while the modern version measures from clubhead to grip bottom (~24 inches). Many weekend golfers lay their putter down with the head in the cup to measure the distance accurately.

When should you give a gimme putt? Give gimmes for short putts (typically under 2 feet) when the score doesn't significantly impact the outcome, pace of play needs improvement, or when showing sportsmanship to struggling players. Never give birdie putts regardless of distance, and be consistent with your gimme policy throughout the round.

Are gimmes allowed in tournament golf? No, gimmes are never allowed in official tournament golf or when posting scores for handicap purposes. Under USGA rules, every putt must be holed in stroke play competitions. Only in match play can opponents legally concede putts, holes, or matches.

What should you do if someone picks up a putt without permission? If the putt was clearly within your group's normal gimme range and doesn't affect important scoring, most weekend golfers let it slide. However, if it's questionable or affects betting/competition outcomes, politely say "I hadn't given you that one yet" and ask them to replace the ball.

Continue Your Weekend Golfer Journey

Ready to master more essential golf knowledge that impresses your buddies? These proven guides help fellow weekend golfers who are serious about earning respect and improving their games:

• Complete Golf Etiquette Guide for Weekend Warriors
• Golf Rules Made Simple for Weekend Golfers
• Putting Tips That Actually Work for Weekend Players
• Smart Course Management for Weekend Golf
• Essential Weekend Golfer Success Strategies

Stuck in a Golf Rut? Weekend Golfers to the Rescue!

Ever feel like the perfect swing is a cruel joke? Weekend Golfers feel your pain. We built our games from scratch, no natural talent, no endless lessons. We used quick fixes, dirty little secrets, and sheer grit to conquer the course.

But even Weekend Golfers have questions. That nagging slice? We've fought it. That impossible shot? We've (mostly) mastered it.

Here's where you come in.

What's the ONE question holding you back? Share your struggle in our 2-minute survey. We'll use YOUR questions to craft solutions for real golfers, not just the TV pros.

Break free from your golfing frustrations! Take the survey now!

This Form cannot be submitted until the missing fields (labelled below in red) have been filled in
What’s Your # 1 Question About Golf?
Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in.
First Name*
E-Mail Address*
1. What’s your single most important question about golf?
2. Why would it make a difference in your life to get a good answer for this problem or find a solution for your need? (Details, please.)
3. How difficult has it been for you to find a good answer for the above to date?
Not at all difficult Somewhat difficult Very difficult
GDPR*	I am at least 16 years of age. I have read and accept the privacy policy. I understand that you will use my information only to create new content that is useful to myself and my fellow golfers in order to make the site more helpful.
Please complete the challenge that you see below.

About :: Privacy Policy :: Contact

GOLFEASER.COM - Copyright © - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED