Date Published: 13/02/2026
If you have ever heard someone say “That’s a gimme” on the putting green and were not quite sure what it meant, you are not alone. The term gimme is commonly used in casual and friendly rounds, yet it does not appear anywhere in the official Rules of Golf.
So what exactly is a gimme in golf, and when is it appropriate to use one?
This guide explains what a gimme is, when it is allowed, and how it fits into casual play, match play, and rounds submitted for handicap purposes.
A gimme in golf is a short putt that one player concedes to another, meaning the stroke does not need to be played. It is usually offered when the ball is close enough to the hole that missing would be very unlikely.
The main purpose of a gimme is to help speed up play during friendly rounds and avoid spending time over putts that are considered routine.
It is important to remember that a gimme is a concession from another player. You cannot give yourself a gimme.
This is where things become more specific.
Gimmes are not recognised under the official Rules of Golf for stroke play. According to The R&A, in a formal stroke play competition (including general play scores submitted for handicap purposes), every stroke must be holed out.
Gimmes are only permitted in match play. In match play, a player may concede a stroke, a hole, or even the match to their opponent. This is covered under Rule 3.2b (1) of the Rules of Golf.
In casual or friendly rounds, particularly midweek roll ups or weekend fourballs, players often use gimmes by mutual agreement to keep play moving.
However, these rounds should not be submitted for handicap purposes if gimmes are used.
Gimmes are widely used in:
They should not be used when:
There is no official distance for a gimme. The Rules of Golf do not define how close a ball must be for a putt to be conceded.
In casual play, a gimme is often offered when the ball is
Ultimately, it is a judgement call and should always be agreed between players before it is given.
No. Stableford is a form of stroke play, which means all putts must be holed out. Even very short putts must be played if the score is being recorded.
No. A gimme must be conceded by another player. You cannot give yourself a gimme under any format of play.
No. Gimmes are not allowed in any round submitted for handicap purposes. Under the World Handicap System, every hole must be completed by holing out. If a gimme is taken, the score should not be submitted.
Yes. Gimmes are allowed in match play. An opponent may concede a stroke, a hole, or the match at any time, and once a concession is made it cannot be withdrawn.