Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
To putt out means to finish a hole by continuing to make putts until the ball is holed, rather than picking it up or relying on a concession. It is ordinary golf usage, not a separately defined term in the Rules of Golf.
How it matters in match play
In match play, a player may putt out even after the opponent has conceded the next stroke, provided doing so does not help a partner. The concession already completes the hole with the conceded stroke included, so putting out is optional and normally has no effect on the match result. Do not confuse putting out with accepting a Gimme, which is a casual expression for a concession.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Putt Out |
| Category | scoring |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf, Rule 3.2b(1) (conceded next stroke); Rule 23.6 (continuing after concession in four-ball); Definition of Holed; Rule 3.3c (stroke play must hole out) |
| Related concepts | Holing Out, Concession, Gimme, Hole Score |
Worked example
Illustrative example: Alex's ball is 1 metre from the hole and Ben concedes the next stroke; Alex may pick up, or putt out and record the conceded stroke as part of the hole score.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf, Rule 3.2b(1) (conceded next stroke); Rule 23.6 (continuing after concession in four-ball); Definition of Holed; Rule 3.3c (stroke play must hole out)
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
Does putting out mean the ball must go into the hole?
In ordinary usage, yes. Putting out means continuing to putt until the ball is holed. The Rules use the defined expression holing out for this result, rather than defining putt out as a separate term.
Can I putt out after my opponent gives me the putt in match play?
Usually, yes. Rule 3.2b(1) allows the player to putt out after a next stroke has been conceded, unless the stroke would help a partner. The concession remains final and the conceded stroke is already included in the hole score.
Do I have to putt out in match play?
No. If the next stroke has been conceded, the hole is completed with that stroke included, so you may lift the ball. In stroke play, however, Rule 3.3c generally requires the player to hole out at every hole unless another Rule applies.
Is putt out the same as a Gimme?
No. Putt out describes finishing the hole with a stroke. A Gimme is casual language for a short putt being conceded; it has no fixed distance under the Rules and should not be treated as an automatic concession.
Is Putt Out an official Rules of Golf term?
No separate definition for Putt Out was located in the cited Rules material. The official defined term is Holed, and the Rules explain that holing out means the ball is holed.
Does putting out change the match score?
Not when the next stroke has already been conceded. The concession determines the hole score for that stroke; an optional putt out does not reopen or alter the concession.