What Does Concede Mean in Golf?

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.

The Nuts and Bolts: What Does 'Concede' Officially Mean?

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.

Conceding a Stroke (The "Gimmie" Putt)

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).

It’s a Match Play-Only Affair

This is the most important distinction and a source of constant confusion for new golfers. Concessions are ONLY allowed in match play.

• In match play, you are competing hole-by-hole against a single opponent (or a team). The goal is to win more individual holes than the other side. Because the score for the hole is binary (win, lose, or tie), giving a short putt doesn't affect an overall stroke total.
• In stroke play (which is what most tournaments, weekly leagues, and handicap rounds are), you are competing against the entire field. Every single stroke counts toward your final score. You must hole out on every single hole. Picking up a "gimmie" from a friend in a stroke play event is technically a violation of the rules could lead to a disqualification.

Conceding the Hole or the Match

Less common but equally important is the ability to concede an entire hole or even the full match.

• Conceding a Hole: Imagine your opponent has just hit their second shot on a par 4 to within three feet of the flagstick. Meanwhile, you've hit your second shot into deep woods. After taking a drop and hitting your fourth shot into a bunker, you might realize there is virtually no chance you can win or even tie the hole. At this point, you can simply scoop up your ball and say, "That's your hole," or "I concede the hole." This saves time and acknowledges the reality of the situation.
• Conceding the Match: If you are so far behind with so few holes left to play that a comeback is mathematically impossible (a situation known as being "dormie"), or if you simply feel outmatched, you can concede the entire match. It's a sign of sportsmanship to shake your opponent's hand and congratulate them on their victory without having to play the final, inconsequential holes.

The Art of the Concession: When Should You Concede a Putt?

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 "No-Brainer" Gimmies (Inside the Leather)

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?

• Pace of Play: It just speeds things up. There's no need to watch someone go through the routine for a routine putt.
• Good Sportsmanship: It’s a gesture of respect. Making someone putt a 6-inch putt suggests you think they might actually miss it, which can be seen as slightly insulting or tedious.

As a coach, my advice is to be generous with these early in a match. It establishes a friendly and brisk pace.

The Strategic Gray Area (Roughly 2 to 3 feet)

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:

1. The State of the Match

• Early in the Match (First few holes): Be more generous. It fosters goodwill and keeps the mood light.
• Late in a Close Match (Coming down the stretch): Be less generous. A short, pivotal putt on the 16th or 17th hole feels very different from one on the 2nd hole. Making your opponent face their nerves and earn the win is perfectly fair.

2. Your Opponent's Demeanor

• Is your opponent struggling with their putter? If they’ve been shaky on the greens all day, making them putt everything, even short ones, is a smart strategy. Don’t give them a break if their confidence is already low.
• Do they look nervous? If you see them take a few extra practice strokes or look tense over a short one, that’s your cue to remain silent and let them go through with the putt. You are not obligated to save them from their own nerves.

3. The Type of Putt

• Is it a straight, flat putt? This is a more likely candidate for a concession.
• Does it have a sneaky break or is it downhill? A quick downhill two-footer is much more difficult than a flat one. It’s reasonable to make your opponent prove they can hit it with the right speed.

When NOT to Concede a Putt

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.

• To Win the Hole: If your opponent needs to make their 4-foot par putt to tie you, and you are already in the hole with a par, you should never concede. Make them earn the tie. This is the definition of competition.
• When They Are "Yippy": If a player has the "yips" (a neurological issue causing an involuntary wrist spasm), short putts are their nemesis. Conceding short putts would be letting them off the hook for the weakest part of their game.
• For Information: Let's say your opponent has a 3-foot putt with a big break. You have a similar, slightly longer putt on the same line. By making them putt it, you get a free read on how the putt will break and how fast the green is.

The Unwritten Rules: Concession Etiquette

Beyond the rules and strategy, there is a clear etiquette to conceding that signals you're an experienced and respectful golfer.

How to Offer a Concession

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.

How to Handle a Conceded Putt

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:

• It can feel like you're rubbing it in, especially if you make it noisily.
• If you miss, it creates an awkward moment where your opponent might think, "See, I shouldn't have given it to him!"
• It slows down the game.

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?"

Most Importantly: NEVER Ask for a "Gimmie"

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.

Final Thoughts

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.

Just as knowing when to concede a putt is a smart decision that can impact your match, making smart decisions throughout the round is what lowers scores. That's a core belief of mine as a coach and something we poured into Caddie AI. The whole idea is to take the guesswork out of your game so you feel more confident over every shot. If you are stuck between clubs or don't know the right play for a tricky lie, our app provides a simple, smart strategy right in your pocket. It's like having an expert caddie available 24/7 to help you think your way around the course more effectively.