Gimme Putts (God I hate them!)

[Golfingdad]

Part of match play is understanding your opponent. If he gets upset that easily, it would be wrong NOT to take advantage of it.

Yup. Fully agree and agree 100% with Macs logic. It makes no sense for a guy to get too irritated at not receiving a gimme because if he won't have throw le with it then who cares and if he will, then well that's his problem and he doesn't deserve the gimme.

[Jeremie Boop]

Most times I've seen people give gimmes are if the opponent is out of the hole or if it's at a range that isn't missed by the person is going to putt. Typically, I'll still putt out if someone gives me a putt, unless they knock it back to me before I get there.

[mtsalmela80]

I play with a guy that will routinely give three footers. Not just mercy gives when putting for double, but for pars and such. Not sure why, but its just aggravating. I mean the poor guy wont learn how to sink the short ones.

[rehmwa]

I only take the gimme when someone else taps or tosses the ball back to me. It starts to get ridiculous when they toss back a 3 footer or more.

This.  Because at that point it's too late.  If I want to putt that putt, I'll go put it back and make a joke and thank them for the sentiment - and putt out.

I don't give them.  If seems like it's expected and I'm standing there I'll ask if they want it so I can rap it back to them to avoid the wait for them to walk up.

I don't really care one way or the other, I don't bet, or play in tournaments and each person can have fun with this game any way they like as far as I'm concerned.  I try to not worry about how 'others' play.

I think it makes sense if we're trying to clear the green and play faster

FWIW - I just like to hear the ball fall in the cup.  And I payed for the round, and putting is part of that round.

[cutchemist42]

Mostly play by myself, but I will gimme anything within 1 feet if its not a birdie/par putt. The birdie/par putt has extra pressure, and its better long-term if you learn to putt in those situations.