
"Gimmie," which is also frequently spelled "gimme," derives from "give me," as in, "Will you give me that putt?" The term arose in the United States and was chiefly an American expression until televised golf spread the word around the world.
What is a gimme in golf?
A gimme in golf is a conceded shot that players deem “unmissable”. Instead of forcing a player to putt from a short distance, the game can move along at a quicker pace. Gimmes should only ever be utilized in match play events and are not permitted in stroke play competitions.
Should you putt out a gimme in golf?
A good rule of thumb is that if your ball is lying within gimme range, but your fellow players don’t say anything, you should go ahead and putt it out. You should never assume that a putt is a gimme, even if it’s literally hanging over the lip of the cup!
What is an example of a gimmick in golf?
An example of this could be if a player chips his ball right to the rim of the cup. The other golfer he is paired with may say “thats a gimmie” and pass him the ball. This way the golfer won’t have to get his putter walk up to the green just to tap the ball in.
What is a Gimmie putt?
A "gimmie" (or "gimme putt") is a putt so short a golfer considers it unmissable, so just picks it up and counts it as holed.

What is a gimme in golf called?
A gimme is a short putt conceded by an opponent. It is still counted as a shot, but the player does not actually play it. Its name comes from a corruption of “give me” as in “will you give me that shot?” asked by a player of their opponent. Logically perhaps it should be known as a giyya.
Is it gimme or gimmie?
"Gimmie," which is also frequently spelled "gimme," derives from "give me," as in, "Will you give me that putt?" The term arose in the United States and was chiefly an American expression until televised golf spread the word around the world.
What is a gimme in sports?
Gimme is a term in golf, where it refers to a short putt one doesn't have to take because it's too easy to miss. Outside sports, gimme is either a colloquial contraction of give me or a metaphorical extension of the golf term.
Are gimmies allowed in golf?
The short answer is: If you're playing by the Rules of Golf, never. Gimmes (sometimes spelled "gimmies" or "gimmees") are never allowed under the rules.
How do you use the word gimme?
Gimme, a slang expression, is defined as "give me." When you want someone to hand you an ice cream cone that he is holding, this is an example of a situation where you might say "Gimme the ice cream." The definition of a gimme is something that is certain to happen since it is so easy to achieve.
Is gimme a word in English?
Gimme is sometimes used in written English to represent the words 'give me' when they are pronounced informally.
How long is a gimme in golf?
2 feetWhen a putt is a gimme. If it's inside the leather of the putter: Lots of groups call a gimme when a putt stops closer to the hole than the distance from the near lip of the cup to the bottom of the putter grip. It's a little more than 2 feet.
What is a mulligan in golf?
The basic definition of mulligan, a term most associated with golf, is a "do-over," a second try after your first has gone awry. Every weekend golfer has taken a few mulligans in their lifetime, and there's no shame in that.
What is a bogey in golf?
A Bogey means one over par. Birdie: In the 19th century, the term "bird" was the equivalent of "cool" or "excellent" - golf scholars believe this is where the term came from. An Atlantic City, New Jersey, course claims that the term originated there in 1903. The meaning being a score of one under par.
When should I take a gimme golf?
When a player has only a very short putt left to play, other players may grant a gimme (i.e., one stroke is counted), but the ball is not played. A gimme is a time-saving convention under the tacit assumption that the putt would not have been missed, e.g., when the ball is only a few inches from the hole.
Are Mulligans allowed in golf?
A mulligan is a second chance to perform an action, usually after the first chance went wrong through bad luck or a blunder. Its best-known use is in golf, whereby it refers to a player being allowed, only informally, to replay a stroke, although that is against the formal rules of golf.
Can I get a mulligan?
Mulligans are definitely, absolutely not allowed under the Rules of Golf. If you're playing in a competition governed by the Rules of Golf, mulligans aren't allowed.
What is the Length of a Gimme in Golf?
A putt is considered to be a gimme if it is within 2.5ft. Some players will take the time to estimate gimmes, while others will eyeball the distance between the ball and cup and decide if it’s good. There is no official rule surrounding gimmes, the length is essentially up to players to decide.
Should You Ask for a Gimme in Golf?
No, you should not ask for a gimme in golf, even if you’re playing a recreational round. A gimme has long been regarded as a gentleman’s agreement within the game of golf. Therefore, the onus is on the person who is not about to putt to offer the other player the chance to pick their ball up.
Are there Gimmes in Pro Golf?
Gimmes are a feature of the pro game in certain formats. You will never, for instance, see a gimme awarded in a major stroke play competition such as the US Masters or British Open. However, in match play tournaments such as the Ryder Cup, gimmes feature regularly.
Can You Refuse a Conceded Putt?
You can refuse a conceded putt in an informal recreational game amongst friends.
Do You Count Gimme Putts?
Yes – when you’re awarded a gimme putt, you still need to mark it down as a stroke on your scorecard and count it as a shot.
Why Do Golf Gimmes Exist?
Gimmes exist in golf in order to speed up play. Instead of having to wait and line up a seemingly unmissable putt, gimmes allow you to pick your ball up and move onto the next tee, speeding the game up for everyone out on the course.
What is a Gimme In Golf
A gimme is a slang word in golf used to say that a golfer can count his next putt as if it went in due to how close it is in the hole.
How long is a gimme?
A gimme is a putt that is two feet or shorter. But the length of a gimme tends to change based on the group you are playing with.
Are Gimmes Used In Golf Tournaments
No, gimmies are not used in golf tournaments. As golfers are expected to physically take all of their shots throughout the entire tournament.
Does A Gimme Count As A Stroke?
Yes, a gimme should always count as a stroke. It is important to remember that when a golfer takes a gimme they are saying they next putt is so short that the putt automatically counted.
Conclusion Understanding Gimmes
We hope you enjoyed our guide to understanding gimmes in golf. If you have any questions regarding this article. Or any of the information we’ve included on it please be sure to reach out in the comments below.
What is a gimme putt?
In concept, the gimme putt is supposed to be emblematic of golf's "gentlemen's game" mantra. Often it's anything but, as evidenced at the U.S. Girls' Junior. Many observers cried foul after Elizabeth Moon, who just missed a six-footer to win the match, raked away her ball inches from the cup, only for opponent Erica Shepherd to assert she had not given Moon the putt. If that didn't qualify as a gimme, what does?
Do you apologize for a putt?
DON'T: Apologize for making your opponent putt. It comes off as insincere, especially if they miss. Plus, you don't see basketball players patting a rival on the back after a turnover, or a pitcher telling a batter he's sorry after a strikeout. In that same vein...