Walking off a green, you might hear a member of another group say, Alright, good good, as they both scoop up their golf balls without putting. This friendly agreement, often a source of confusion for new players, is a staple of casual golf rounds around the world. This article will explain exactly what good good means, the unwritten rules that govern it, and how to navigate this common piece of on-course etiquette like a seasoned player.
In simple terms, "good good" is a verbal contract between two (or more) golfers to mutually concede short putts. It’s essentially saying, "Your putt is good, and my putt is good." You are agreeing that both putts are short enough that they would almost certainly have been made, so there’s no need to actually go through the motions of holing out.
This is different from a simple "gimme." A gimme is a one-way concession. For example, if your opponent has a one-foot putt for a bogey and you already made a par, you might say, "That's good, pick it up," to save time. A "good good," however, is a reciprocal arrangement that almost always happens when two players are left with similar short putts for the same score on a hole, usually to tie (or "halve") it.
Imagine this common scenario: You and your friend both face three-foot putts for par. You're standing there, eyeing both lies. Rather than forcing one person to go first, which could add pressure or provide a read for the second player, one of you says, “Good good?” The other nods, and you both pick up your balls. You mark "4" on your scorecards, halve the hole, and move to the next tee with smiles on your faces. That is the essence of this friendly tradition.
While "good good" feels like a casual gesture, there are some generally accepted guidelines that keep it from getting out of hand. The foundation of this system is understanding when a putt is truly "good."
The most common rule of thumb for these conceded putts is "inside the leather." It's a classic golf term you'll hear all the time. This refers to the distance from the bottom of your putter head to the bottom of the grip. On a standard putter, this distance is typically around two to three feet.
If a player's ball is within that radius of the hole, it's generally considered "in the gimme zone." Of course, this is a guideline, not a strict rule. A group of friends might have a "generous" interpretation of inside the leather, while a more a competitive foursome might mentally shrink that circle.
However, the distance isn't the only factor. Here are a few other things to consider:
"Good good" is one of those topics that can genuinely divide golfers. There are strong feelings on both sides, and it's helpful to understand both perspectives.
For golf purists, the game is about finishing what you started. The challenge of golf includes sinking those nervy three-footers that count just as much as a 280-yard drive. Golfers in this camp argue that conceding putts:
On the other side of the coin, most recreational golfers view the "good good" agreement as a positive part of the game. For them, it is all about pace of play and camaraderie. Supporters of the practice believe it:
Navigating these waters is simple once you have a feel for a few social cues. As a coach, I tell my students to prioritize clear and friendly communication.
There's no secret handshake. Usually, one player will walk toward their ball, gesture toward their opponent's, and simply ask, "Good good?" or "Are we good?" If you agree, a nod or a "Yep, we're good" is all it takes. Then, you can pick up the balls and head to the next tee.
What if your opponent has a tricky four-footer and offers a "good good"? It is perfectly acceptable to gently decline. You can say something friendly like, "Ah, I think we ought to see these ones go in." Or, if you just want to putt yours even if you grant theirs, you can say, "You're good, but I think I'll go ahead and knock this in for practice."
The key is to be consistent. Don't ask for a "good good" on your five-footer after you made your buddy putt his three-footer a hole earlier. The sense of fairness is built on the idea that the concessions are truly for putts that are all but guaranteed to fall.
Ultimately, the choice of whether or not to engage in the "good good" system rests with your group. The most important thing is to make sure everyone is on the same page before the round starts to avoid any confusion or hurt feelings on the course. A quick conversation on the first tee, like "Are we good inside the leather today?" can set the expectation for the entire round.
"Good good" is a simple, unofficial part of golf culture designed to enhance pace of play and maintain a friendly spirit during casual rounds. By understanding the unwritten guidelines - like the "inside the leather" rule - and communicating clearly with your partners, you can confidently navigate this custom and focus on enjoying your day on the course.
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