Every golfer has heard the phrase, “That’s good.” It usually comes after a short putt stops just shy of the hole, and before anyone has a chance to tap it in. For most recreational golfers, it’s simply part of the game. But should it be?
That question is at the heart of Episode 6 of Splitting Fairways, the THP podcast where Ryan “Hawk” and Jeremy “Lord Tox” tackle the conversations golfers have every day.
This week, the discussion centers on one of golf’s oldest unwritten rules: the gimme. Ryan argues that conceded putts are a practical necessity, helping keep rounds moving and making recreational golf more enjoyable. Jeremy counters that golf has only one finish line, the bottom of the cup, and every conceded putt turns an actual score into an educated guess.
Along the way, the conversation explores where gimmes came from, why every group seems to have its own definition of “inside the leather,” and whether routinely accepting short putts quietly inflates handicaps over time. We also examine why golfers who never seem to miss a two-footer during a casual round suddenly insist on putting everything out when money, trophies, or bragging rights are on the line.
Gimmes undoubtedly help pace of play, but they also raise an uncomfortable question: if a handicap is meant to reflect what you actually shoot, should posted scores include putts that were never made?
After listening, we want to hear from you.
What’s the longest putt that can honestly be called a gimme?
Podcast: Play in new window | Download