Gimme putts are only legal in match play, when your opponent concedes them. In stroke play, Rule 3.2 requires the ball to be holed out on every hole.
Are gimme putts legal in golf?
Gimmes are only legal in match play, when your opponent concedes the putt. In stroke play, gimmes don't exist — you must hole out on every hole under Rule 3.2. The weekend "that's good" inside the leather? Strictly speaking, in stroke play that putt was never holed.
Stroke play vs. match play
| Format | Gimmes legal? | The rule |
|---|---|---|
| Stroke play | No | Rule 3.2 — the ball must be holed out on every hole |
| Match play | Yes, if conceded | Rule 3.3 — your opponent may concede a stroke or the hole |
Why the scorecard matters
In stroke play, if you pick up a "gimme" and write down a lower score than you actually made, you've signed for a score lower than your real one — which under Rule 3.3 is disqualification (or, in some club rules, a two-stroke penalty).
Quick answers
Are gimme putts legal in golf? Gimme putts are only legal in match play when your opponent concedes the putt (Rule 3.3). In stroke play, Rule 3.2 requires you to hole out on every hole.
Can you get disqualified for a gimme putt? In stroke play, yes, if you sign for a wrong (lower) score.
Is a conceded putt holed in match play? Yes. Once your opponent concedes your putt, it's treated as holed.
What does 'inside the leather' mean? It's an old casual-golf rule-of-thumb for gimme distance. It has no basis in the Rules of Golf.