Rules · Lesson
Giving Putts, Holes and Matches
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In match play, Rule 3.2b lets you give your opponent a putt, a hole, or the match itself. You can give a putt any time before they hit it. That stroke counts in their score, and anyone can pick up the ball. If you concede while the ball is still moving, it counts for the stroke after, unless that ball drops. You can give a hole any time before it's finished, even before it starts. But players can't agree to give holes to each other.
Step by step
- Give a putt before they hit it.
- It counts in their score.
- Anyone can pick up the ball.
- You can give a hole before it's done.
- No trading concessions.
Why it works
Match play is decided hole by hole, so you may decide a putt is not worth playing. Conceding saves time and removes a stroke you expect the opponent to make. A concession is final once made, which keeps results clear and stops disputes about what would have happened. The rule bars agreed trades so that players cannot settle a match between themselves without playing it.
Common mistakes
- You say 'that's good' after the opponent has already hit the putt.Give the putt before the stroke is made, because a concession after the stroke has no effect on that putt.
- You forget that a given putt counts as a stroke in the opponent's score.Add the stroke to their score for the hole, so a given putt for a par is counted as a par.
- You and your opponent agree to give each other holes to save time.Play each hole out, because players cannot agree to give holes to each other.
How you'll know it's working
- You give the putt with clear words before the opponent swings, and both players agree it is conceded.
- You and your opponent count the given stroke in the score and agree the hole result before you move on.
- You never agree a swap of concessions with your opponent, and every hole you give stands on its own.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Practise with a friend on a putting green and say out loud 'that putt is good' before they stroke it, then count the stroke.
Harder: Play a full nine-hole match where you decide on each hole whether to give a putt or the hole, and keep an exact score.
Common questions
Can you give a putt after your opponent has hit it?
No, you must give it before they hit it. If you concede while the ball is still moving, it counts for the stroke after, unless that ball drops.
Can I take back a putt I have given?
No, a concession is final once made. The stroke counts in the opponent's score and anyone can pick up the ball.
