Golf Match Play Concessions: When to Give a Putt, a Hole, and the Match

In match play, you can give your opponent a putt, a hole, or even the entire match. It sounds simple — but there are rules about timing, when it applies, and what happens if you try to take it back. Here is everything you need to know about concessions under Rule 3.2b.

✅ Match play only — not stroke play

Concessions are a match play exclusive. They have no effect in stroke play. If you give someone a putt in a stroke play event, it is not a valid concession — they must still hole out or face a penalty.

⚠️ Concessions are irrevocable

The moment you say "that's good" or concede a hole, the decision is final. You cannot take it back. Think before you say it.

Concession situations at a glance

SituationRulingWhat Happens
Opponent taps in a short putt ("That's good" or "Pick it up") Putt is conceded — hole is halved or lost Once conceded, the opponent does not have to putt. The score counts as if they holed it. The concession cannot be refused or withdrawn once made.
Opponent picks up the ball without being told it's good Lifting ball without concession = 1-stroke penalty Under Rule 9.4, if a player lifts their ball without a concession (and without authority under the Rules), they get a one-stroke penalty. The ball must be replaced.
"I give you the hole" after a bad approach shot Hole is conceded — opponent wins the hole A hole can be conceded at any time before the hole is completed. Once conceded, the hole is over — the player cannot then decide to play it out.
Conceding the match ("Nice round, you win") Match is over immediately A match can be conceded at any time before it is finished. The result stands — you cannot take it back after saying it. Traditionally said with a handshake on the last green.
Opponent gives you a putt but you hole it anyway Putt is irrelevant — hole is already conceded If a putt is conceded and you tap it in anyway, it counts as a practice stroke (no score effect in match play). The concession already ended the hole.
Can you refuse a concession? No — concessions cannot be refused Once your opponent concedes a putt, a hole, or the match, the concession stands. You cannot refuse and insist on playing it out. Rule 3.2b is explicit: a concession takes immediate effect.
Putt conceded after opponent already missed it Too late — concession must come BEFORE the stroke A putt can only be conceded before the stroke is made. If the opponent has already missed (or holed it), the result stands — a retroactive concession is not allowed.
Giving putts to speed up play in stroke play NOT allowed in stroke play Concessions are a match play concept only. In stroke play, every stroke must be played out. Picking up a ball or giving a putt in stroke play results in a penalty or disqualification.

How concessions work — step by step

Step 1
Understand that concessions are match play only
Concessions — giving your opponent a putt, a hole, or the match — only exist in match play (Rule 3.2b). In stroke play, every ball must be holed out on every hole. If you accidentally "give" someone a putt in a stroke play event, it is not valid; they still need to hole it.
Step 2
Learn the three types of concession: putt, hole, match
A putt concession ends that hole's putting for one player. A hole concession ends the entire hole — the opponent does not need to finish. A match concession ends the entire match immediately. All three are irrevocable the moment they are made.
Step 3
Say it clearly — ambiguity can cause disputes
A concession must be unambiguous. Common phrases: "That's good," "Pick it up," or "I give you the hole." Picking up your own ball without being told it is good is NOT a concession — it is a penalty. If your opponent is uncertain whether a putt has been conceded, they should ask before picking up.
Step 4
Know you cannot take it back
The moment a concession is made, it is final. You cannot say "that's good" and then change your mind. Even if you misspoke or misread the situation, the concession stands. Think before you say it — in close matches, conceding a putt can change the outcome of the hole.
Step 5
Use concessions strategically — they are part of the game
Experienced match play golfers use concessions intentionally: conceding tap-ins to maintain the pace of play, or strategically NOT conceding a short putt to apply pressure. Some players "give" putts early in a round to build goodwill, then put their opponent under pressure on a critical hole by making them hole out.

Frequently asked questions

What is a concession in golf match play?
A concession is when one player tells the other that they do not need to complete a putt, a hole, or (in extreme cases) the entire match. In match play, the conceded score is counted as if the player had made the stroke. The concession takes immediate effect and cannot be withdrawn.
Can you concede a putt in stroke play?
No. Concessions are only valid in match play. In stroke play, every stroke must be played out under penalty. If you tell a fellow competitor "that's good" in a stroke play event, it has no legal effect — they still must hole the putt or face a penalty for lifting without authority.
What happens if you pick up your ball before a concession?
If you lift your ball in match play without your opponent having conceded the putt, you incur a one-stroke penalty under Rule 9.4. The ball must be replaced and the putt played. This is different from stroke play, where the penalty and procedure can vary.
Can you refuse a concession?
No. Under Rule 3.2b, a concession cannot be refused. Once your opponent says "that's good" or concedes the hole or match, you cannot insist on playing out. The concession is binding immediately, regardless of whether you want to prove you can make the putt.
Can a concession be taken back after it is made?
No. A concession is irrevocable the moment it is made. Even if you immediately realize you misspoke — for example, you thought the match was already decided but it wasn't — the concession stands. Rule 3.2b is explicit: the player who makes the concession cannot withdraw it.
What if I hole a putt after it has been conceded?
If your opponent concedes your putt and you hole it anyway, the putt is treated as a practice stroke in match play and has no effect on the score. The concession already determined the outcome of the hole. There is no penalty for playing the putt out after it is conceded.
Is "gimme" the same as a concession?
"Gimme" is an informal term for a conceded putt. Saying "that's a gimme" or "it's good" are both valid concessions. The word itself does not matter — what matters is that the communication is clear and unambiguous. If your opponent is not sure whether you said "gimme," they should ask before picking up.
Can you concede a hole or match at any time?
A putt can only be conceded before the stroke is made. A hole can be conceded at any time before the hole is finished. The match can be conceded at any time. Note that you cannot concede a putt retroactively — once the opponent has already missed or holed the putt, the result stands.

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