How do you know when to concede a putt?

1 The Rules of Concession

According to the Rules of Golf, a concession is a verbal or physical act that indicates that you accept your opponent's next stroke as holed, without requiring them to play it. You can concede a putt at any time before your opponent makes their stroke, but once you concede, you cannot withdraw or change your mind. A concession is final and binding, and it cannot be declined by your opponent. You can also concede the hole or the match at any time, but you should do so only after careful consideration.

3 The Distance of Concession

When conceding a putt, the distance from the hole is a major factor to consider. There is no universal rule for how long a putt should be before you concede it, however, some general guidelines are that you should concede a putt that is shorter than the length of your putter grip, unless it is a significant moment in the match. Additionally, you should concede a putt that is within the leather (the distance from the hole to where the putter shaft meets the grip), within a gimme circle (usually a radius of 18 inches or less around the hole), or within your comfort zone (the distance that you feel confident of making 90% or more of the time).

5 The Strategy of Concession

When conceding a putt, you should also consider the strategy of the match. Conceding a putt can be used to influence your opponent's psychology, confidence, and motivation. You can use concession as a tool to build rapport and trust, reward your opponent for a good shot or hole, surprise them with an unexpected or generous gesture, intimidate them with a confident or dominant move, or challenge them with a subtle or sarcastic message. However, it is important to be careful not to overuse or misuse concession as a strategy, as it can backfire or offend your opponent. Additionally, you should remain consistent and fair with your concession, and not change your criteria or attitude depending on the score or the situation. Being able to concede a putt wisely and gracefully requires judgment, tact, and intuition. It can improve both your golf experience and your relationship with your opponent, but it can also affect the outcome and enjoyment of the match. By taking these tips into consideration when conceding a putt, you can become more adept at doing so.