What Does Put Out Mean in Golf?

Hearing the phrase go ahead and putt out on the green can be confusing if you're new to the game, but it's a simple and helpful part of golf etiquette. Putting out simply means finishing the hole by making your final putt, even if it’s technically not your turn. This article will walk you through what the term means, the formal rules behind it, the strategy for when to do it, and the on-course courtesy that makes it a smooth part of any round.

"Putting Out": A Simple Definition for the Green

At its core, "putting out" (or "finishing out") refers to the act of a player sinking their ball into the cup immediately after their previous putt, despite another player's ball being farther away from the hole. It's an exception to the traditional rule of "farthest away plays first."

Imagine this common scenario: You and your friend are on the green. Your friend putts from 20 feet away and leaves the ball just eight inches from the cup. You are still 15 feet away and it's your turn to putt. Instead of you putting from 15 feet while your friend waits, they might say, "I'm going to tap this in." They'll walk up, make the short putt, and pick their ball out of the hole. They have just "putt out."

This is extremely common in casual and amateur golf. It's a quick, efficient way to complete the hole and is a fundamental aspect of playing "ready golf" - a concept designed to speed up the game for everyone.

The Rules: Stroke Play vs. Match Play

Understanding when to putt out often depends on the format you're playing. The rules and expectations are quite different between stroke play (what most of us play every weekend) and match play.

Putting Out in Stroke Play (The Standard Weekend Game)

In stroke play, you are counting every single stroke over 18 holes, and your score is compared against the entire field. The main goals are counting your own score accurately and keeping the game moving. This is where "ready golf" comes in.

According to Rule 6.4b of the Rules of Golf, players are actively encouraged to play out of turn in a safe and responsible way to save time. This means putting out is perfectly acceptable and, in most cases, preferred. If you have a short "tap-in" putt remaining after your previous attempt, the rules encourage you to finish the hole to keep things flowing. You don’t need to stand around waiting, marking your ball, and then going through your pre-shot routine all over again for an 18-inch putt.

So, in your regular Saturday morning game, putting out is the norm. It respects the time of your own group and the groups behind you.

Order of Play in Match Play (Head-to-Head Competition)

Match play is a different animal. This is a head-to-head battle where you're trying to win individual holes against an opponent. The lowest score on a hole wins that hole, and whoever wins the most holes wins the match. Here, the order of play is much more rigid.

In match play:

• The Order of Play Matters: The player farthest from the hole must play first. Playing out of turn is a breach of etiquette and your opponent can require you to cancel your stroke and replay it in the correct order without penalty.
• Conceding Putts is Key: A huge element of match play strategy is the "concession." If you have a short putt left, your opponent might say, "That's good," or "Pick it up." This means they are conceding your next putt. You don't have to hit it, you simply pick up your ball and count that stroke. If an opponent does not concede your putt, you must wait your turn and then try to make it.

Because of this, you generally do not putt out of turn in match play unless your opponent explicitly tells you to go ahead. The strategy of seeing your putt or making you feel the pressure of a short putt is part of the game.

The Huge Benefits of Putting Out

As a coach, I always encourage players in stroke play to putt out whenever it’s appropriate. It’s not just about speed, it's about better golf. Here are the key advantages of finishing up on the green.

1. Improves Pace of Play

This is the most obvious benefit. Every time you mark a ball, step aside, wait for others, and then replace your ball to putt again, it adds up. Having players tap in their short putts immediately shaves seconds off every hole, which can equate to 10-15 minutes saved per round. It's a simple courtesy that keeps the entire course on schedule.

2. Maintains Your "Feel" and Rhythm

This is arguably the most important benefit for your own game. When you've just rolled a putt from 30 feet, your brain is still processing the feel of the club, the speed of the green, and the path the ball took. Stepping right up to tap in a 2-foot putt while that feeling is fresh is much easier than stepping away. If you mark it and wait five minutes, you lose that immediate feedback. You have to "get the feel" all over again, and doubt can creep into even the shortest of putts.

3. Reduces Mental Clutter and Pressure

Once your ball is in the hole, you’re done. A huge part of golf is managing mental energy. Tapping in and picking your ball out of the cup provides closure. You avoid having to stand over a "must-make" three-footer later on, with your partners watching and the pressure mounting. Finishing the hole lets your brain move on to the next tee shot, freeing up mental space.

4. Clears the Path for Others (The Etiquette Win)

By putting out and removing your ball and your ball marker from the putting surface, you eliminate a potential hazard. This clears the way for your fellow players, ensuring they have an unobstructed path to the hole. It eliminates the chance of them having to ask you to move your marker and removes a a distraction from their field of vision.

A Golfer's Guide: When to Putt Out (and When to Wait)

Knowing when to putt out is just as important as knowing what it means. It’s a delicate dance of pace, courtesy, and self-awareness. Here’s a simple traffic light system to help you navigate it on the green.

🟢 Green Light: Go Ahead and Finish

You should almost always putt out in these situations:

• The Tap-In: If your ball is within 2-3 feet of the hole (often called "inside the leather," referring to the length of a standard putter grip), it's standard practice to finish.
• You're Not in the Way: Double-check that you are absolutely not standing in or walking over any other player’s putting line. a quick glance is all you need.
• You've Given a Heads-Up: While often assumed, a quick, "Mind if I finish?" or "I'll tap this in," shows respect and ensures everyone is on the same page.

🟡 Yellow Light: Pause and Check First

Slow down and communicate before you act in these moments:

• You're Near Someone's Line: If you think you might be close to another player's putting line, even if you’re not directly on it, it's polite to ask. "Just want to make sure I'm not in your line here," is a perfect way to show you’re being considerate. Most of the time, they will say you're fine, but the act of asking is what matters.
• It's a "Testy" Putter: Your putt is between 4 and 6 feet. This isn't an automatic tap-in, and it may require some focus. If you're not fully comfortable, or if you feel rushed, it's better to mark it. Alternatively, if another player is much farther away, they might prefer you mark it so they aren't waiting while you read a longer putt.

🔴 Red Light: Mark Your Ball and Wait

Never putt out in these circumstances. It's a breach of good etiquette and can disrupt the game.

• You Are On or Across Another Player's Line: This is the golden rule. Never stand on another player's putting line. If finishing your putt requires you to stand in the path of their putt to the hole, you must mark your ball and wait. No exceptions. This is one of the most important unwritten rules in golf.
• It's Match Play (and not conceded): As discussed, in a formal match, you must wait your turn unless the putt is conceded. Honor the strict order of play.
• You Realize Your Partner Uses Your Line: Sometimes, another player may want to watch your putt to get a better read for their own. If your partner says, "Hold on, I want to see this," they're trying to gain information about the break or speed. It's thoughtful to let them watch, especially if their putt is on a similar line.

How to Communicate on the Green

Great on-course exchanges are clear and simple. You don’t need long conversations. Here are a few phrases that work perfectly:

• When you want to putt out: "I'll go ahead and finish." or "Mind if I tap this in?"
• When you're asking about their line: "Am I in your way here?"
• If you can see you are in their line: "You go ahead, I'm right in your line. I'll wait."
• After you putt out: a simple "All yours," lets the next player know the stage is theirs.

Final Thoughts

Understanding what it means to "putt out" is about more than just a rule - it’s about understanding the rhythm and courtesy of the game. In stroke play, it's a practice that speeds up play, keeps your putting feel sharp, and demonstrates respect for your fellow golfers when done at the right time and with clear communication.

Playing smarter, more confident golf comes from knowing how to handle these common on-course situations. At Caddie AI, we designed our app to be the perfect on-demand golf expert, so you’re never left feeling unsure. If you ever have a question about course strategy, club selection, or even simple etiquette like "who plays next?", you can get an instant, expert answer. Our entire goal is to take the guesswork out of golf, so you can focused on getting the ball in the hole. You get instant access to on-course guidance and a 24/7 golf coach with Caddie AI.