Playing The Game

Using concessions during your golf game

In golf, a concession refers to a gesture in match play where a player voluntarily gives up a hole, a stroke, or a putt to their opponent. Concessions are typically made when one player acknowledges that their opponent's position on the course is such that it is highly likely they will be successful with their next shot.

Here's a breakdown of concessions in golf:

Conceded Putt: This is the most common form of concession. If a player's ball is close enough to the hole that it's virtually certain they will make the next putt, their opponent may concede the putt. This saves time and eliminates the need for the player to actually putt out.

Conceded Hole: If one player has an insurmountable lead on a hole and it's clear that their opponent cannot win the hole, the opponent may concede the hole. This allows the players to move on to the next hole without playing out the current one.

Conceded Stroke: In some cases, a player may concede a stroke to their opponent. This could happen, for example, if a player's ball is in a difficult or dangerous position, such as in a hazard or out of bounds, and it's unlikely they'll be able to recover from it. The opponent may concede the stroke, allowing the player to proceed without incurring further penalty strokes.

Concessions are a common practice in match play and are often seen as a gesture of sportsmanship and goodwill. They help maintain the pace of play by speeding up the game in situations where the outcome is already clear. It's also worth noting that concessions are not typically allowed in stroke play, where players must complete every hole and hole out on every putt.