Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
A conceded hole is a hole a player gives to the opponent before the hole is completed. Under the Rules of Golf, the opponent wins that hole without needing to finish it; the concession is a match-play action, not a stroke-play scoring method.
How it matters in match play
A player may concede a hole at any time before it is completed, including before either player starts it. The concession must be communicated verbally or by a clear action, and it is final: the opponent cannot decline or withdraw it. Players must not agree to alternate concessions simply to shorten the match; knowingly doing so can lead to disqualification.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Conceded Hole |
| Category | scoring |
| Applicable rule | Rule 3.2a(1) and Rule 3.2b(1)-(2) |
| Related concepts | Concession, Conceded Match, Won Hole, Lost Hole, Match Play |
Worked example
On the 12th hole, Ben is already 5 strokes behind Alex with no realistic recovery, so Ben concedes the hole; Alex records the hole as won and the match score moves one hole towards Alex, without Alex needing to hole out.
Rule reference: Rule 3.2a(1) and Rule 3.2b(1)-(2)
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
Can a player concede a hole before teeing off?
Yes. Rule 3.2b(1) allows a hole to be conceded any time before it is completed, including before the players start that hole.
Can the opponent refuse a conceded hole?
No. A concession is final and cannot be declined or withdrawn. It should be made verbally or through an action that clearly shows the player's intention.
Can players agree to concede holes to make a match shorter?
No. Players must not agree to concede holes to each other for the purpose of shortening the match. If they knowingly do so, both can be disqualified under Rule 1.3b.
Does a conceded hole count in stroke play?
No. A conceded hole is a match-play concession. Stroke play uses each player's total strokes and does not use hole concessions under Rule 3.2.
Is a concession still valid after the hole is already decided?
No. A concession made after the result of the hole has already been decided is not valid; the R&A clarification to Rule 3.2b(1) gives this situation explicitly.
Does a conceded hole mean the player concedes the whole match?
No. Conceding one hole gives that hole to the opponent. Conceding the entire match is a separate action under Rule 3.2b(1).