The ruling in plain English
Gimmes are allowed as concessions in match play, but not in regular stroke play. In match play, only your opponent can concede your next stroke, and that stroke still counts. In regular stroke play, you normally must hole out.
Apply the Rule on the course
A conceded next stroke counts in the score and a concession is final. A player must normally hole out in regular stroke play.
- 1
Confirm whether you are playing match play or stroke play.
- 2
In match play, wait for a clear concession before lifting the ball.
- 3
Count the conceded next stroke in the hole score.
- 4
In regular stroke play, hole out unless the competition uses a different Rule 21 format.
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What else matters
A valid match-play concession has no penalty. In regular stroke play, failure to hole out must be corrected before the next hole, or before returning the final scorecard; otherwise the player is disqualified.
Exceptions
- A reasonable misunderstanding of an opponent's words or action can allow replacement without penalty.
- Stableford, Maximum Score and Par/Bogey have separate Rule 21 consequences.
- A match-play concession is final once made.
Common mistakes
- Treating a short putt as an automatic gimme.
- Picking up before a clear concession or forgetting to count the conceded stroke.
Remember: Match play: it can be given. Stroke play: putt it in.
R&A Rules 3.2b and 3.3c
Independent plain-English guide. The current Rules, Interpretations and applicable Local Rules control.