If you’ve ever found yourself in the quiet tension of a match, standing over a two-foot putt with your heart pounding just a little too fast, you’ve been at the center of the world of a golf concession. To concede a putt is one of the most common, strategic, and sometimes nerve-wracking parts of match play golf. This article will break down exactly what a concession is, the unwritten rules of etiquette surrounding it, and the strategy golfers use to decide when to give - or not give - that all-important putt.
At its core, to "concede" in golf means to give your opponent a stroke, a hole, or the entire match without them having to complete it. While it most often refers to short putts, the concept applies more broadly. Let's break down the different types of concessions you'll encounter on the course.
This is the classic example and the one you'll see in nearly every golf match. When an opponent concedes your next stroke, they are essentially saying, "I'm sure you would have made that putt, so you don't need to actually hit it." You simply pick up your ball and count the stroke as if you’d holed it.
For example, if you just chipped your ball to within one foot of the cup for what would be a par, your opponent might say, "That's good," or "Pick it up." This means they have conceded your par putt. You write down a par on your scorecard for that hole, pick up your ball, and the hole is over (or you wait for them to finish).
This is the most important distinction and a source of constant confusion for new golfers. Concessions are ONLY allowed in match play.
Less common but equally important is the ability to concede an entire hole or even the full match.
Knowing the definition of "concede" is the easy part. Knowing when to do it requires strategy, observation, and a bit of psychology. This is where you move from just knowing the rules to truly playing the game of match play.
The old-school term for an almost certain putt is "inside the leather," referring to the distance from the putter head to the bottom of the grip. In modern terms, any putt that's a simple tap-in (usually 18 inches or less) should almost always be conceded.
Why concede these?
As a coach, my advice is to be generous with these early in a match. It establishes a friendly and brisk pace.
This is where match play gets interesting. A two-and-a-half-foot putt is makeable for most golfers, but it's also very missable under pressure. Here’s what to consider before conceding putts in this tricky range:
Refusing to concede a putt isn't an act of aggression, it's a strategic move. Here are times when you should zip your lips and watch them putt.
Beyond the rules and strategy, there is a clear etiquette to conceding that signals you're an experienced and respectful golfer.
Be prompt and clear. As soon as their ball comes to rest, say something direct like, "That's good," "Pick it up," or simply, "Good." Don’t make them wait and wonder. Ambiguity is your enemy here. If you are silent, the assumption should always be that the putt is not conceded.
If your putt is conceded, pick up your ball immediately and say thank you. Do NOT then proceed to hit the putt anyway "just for practice." This can be seen in a few negative lights:
If you really want to try the putt for a read on a later hole, wait until the hole is completely finished by all players and then ask, "Mind if I putt that one out?"
This is the cardinal sin of concession etiquette. Never, ever hint, gesture, or ask if your putt is good. It puts your opponent in a very uncomfortable position. A concession is a gift to be offered, not a right to be claimed. If you're on a long losing streak, you can start to feel like you're owed one, but stay quiet. Putt everything unless explicitly told otherwise.
Conceding a putt, hole, or match is far more than a simple shortcut, it’s a fundamental part of match play strategy, etiquette, and psychology. Understanding when to be generous and when to make your opponent earn every inch is what separates a novice from a seasoned match play competitor. It’s a dynamic dance of sportsmanship and smart tactics.
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