is it acceptable to ask for a putt to be given in matchplay?

[StrangelyBrown]

I don't see why not. However, if it isn't given you should have no grumbles about finishing it off.

 

[funkyfred]

I dont even give myself a putt So the answer to your question is no.

Went out on my own on Tuesday night. 2 stonking shots to within 15 feet. 1st putt is about 12/15 inches short, do I pick up? nope, and the ball lips out.
Lesson learnt, give every shot 100% concentration, always think that you will be asked to knock it in. Anything else is a bonus.

 

[jammydodger]

It's not a question i've ever thought about before so its interesting to see what other peoples take on it is.

I do it all the time in fairness. "That one alright mate" , "you dont need to see that one in do you " , "you wouldnt make a great putter like me hole that tiddler would you "

Wouldnt bother me if someone asked for a putt to be given , if I want to give it I will , if I want to see it in i'll say so...no probs either way.

I dont think i'd make a song and dance about having to hole a tiddler ( not true cos i'd fuss like an old woman )

 

[chrisd]

I picked up his ball and gave it to him expecting him to shake hands. Nothing.
I must have remarked it 3 times before I finally holed it for a 3. Knob

Does the particular knob in question have a name starting with a S and finishing with a Y ?



Chris

 

[Bratty]

I picked up his ball and gave it to him expecting him to shake hands. Nothing.
I must have remarked it 3 times before I finally holed it for a 3. Knob

Does the particular knob in question have a name starting with a S and finishing with a Y ?

Don't be absurd, Chris:

I was on a 3rd sudden death hole against this guy once who had 1 OOB and had just chipped on to 3 ft for 5.

S _ _ _ _ Y would never be able to chip to 3 foot!

 

[bobmac]

nooooooooo, it was about 20 years ago

 

[MashieNiblick]

Pretty much as above, a quick look, or "is that OK?", but only when the ball is a few inches from the hole.

However I never mind being asked to putt out and I don't think you should react badly if you miss one you were expecting to be given. It's all part of the game and just proves the guy was right not to give it. Once or twice I have seen people take umbridge at that. Tough. The idea of a gimme is to save time, not save someone the embarrassment of missing.

In a friendly 4 ball though, there is always plenty of banter about what to give. Adds to the fun. I am usually amazed at how generous my playng partners are given that they know how bad I am at 3 footers.

 

[Oddsocks]

Asking to be given a putt is a sign of weakness, I would never do it and would never give it.

pretty much word for word what i was thinking.

 

[clubchamp07]

If you ask NO it's only polite to be given the putt. If someone asks me, u can rest assure you will be putting that putt.

NO

 

[Bratty]

Asking to be given a putt is a sign of weakness, I would never do it and would never give it.

pretty much word for word what i was thinking.

I'll remind you of that when you're begging for a gimmee on Westerham greens!

 

[Oddsocks]

id beg for a put on any green, even on my knee's

 

[ScienceBoy]

I was given a 15 foot birdie putt in the first round of this years club singles knockout, the other guy had taken 7 to get to the edge of the green and I had an easy straight uphill putt

I do not think you should ask but a suggestive glance or "taking slightly longer to mark/align/practice" can result in a guy giving up and conceding it.

Its all part of matchplay and its subtle tricks, the best thing is to watch the old boys play it and learn!

Pity my singles match tomorrow is against the seniors club champion, he is going to be a master at matchplay and I am going to have to use everything I have got to beat him.

I think I have a few tricks up my sleeve as well as a good swing and the fact I am driving/putting/chipping and approaching well. I think I can give the old codger a run for his money!

 

[Mungoscorner]

What next ? signs on peoples bags "please do not ask for a putt to be given as refusal often offends" Obviously some people take this game far too seriously.
I played scratch league golf for my club for several years,i was never asked for a putt to be given,nor did i ask myself unless it was a reasonably certain make.Call me old fashioned,but i think giving short putts is "gentlemanly",and certainly speeds up play.
At the end of the day,most of us play this game for fun,we won't lose our house's,or be declared bankrupt by missing a gimme.

 

[centuryg5]

I have never asked,nor will I.Always wait to be given if,within a reasonable distance.Although having said that,played a practice round with Homer and Redwood the day before last years Royal Ascot meet,Stood over the ball waiting for the "NOD" ........was it given ?????? miserable pair of gits

 

[matt01]

sorry but i dont think asking is right if you were to ask me it would be a no plus it would make me think that you are not good a the small putts
And if you ask you dont get and my wife is proof of that!

 

[JT77]

If someone asked, I would make them putt. I would never ask, I would look at my opponant to see if I got a nod, but would be happy to hole out if the nod never came.
If my opponant wasnt giving me putts from say 12/18 inches, i would make them hole out everything, I guess it is a two way thing, if they are generous I can be, if not, them I am not either!

 

[Junior]

If my opponent has to ask then it tells me he doesnt fancy it , so i'll always see it in.

It always makes me laugh when an opponent gets a real slippery 3 footer with a lot of break, and then expects it to be given just because its fairy close!!

 

[Deleted member 1740]

No! I hate taking gimme's and giving them because i don't think that's how golf should be played.

I always putt out once getting the nod as i feel very uncomfortable halving/winning a hole without holing out.

Asking for a gimme tells me that person can't putt.

 

[fundy]

nothing wrong with it in a friendly game, will often hear "is that good?" in our games, wouldnt ask in a competitive game and like many would see it as weakness if someone asked

 

[RGDave]

I think a look or a "is that ok?" enquiry is acceptable, however I personally prefer to wait for my opponent to offer the concession out of common courtesy and respect. If they don't then I am perfectly happy to putt out - not such a big deal for me.

Agreed.