Inside the Leather
Common Phrases
Explained Simply
A casual rule for conceding putts — if your ball is closer to the hole than the distance from the putter head to the grip (roughly 18–20 inches), the putt is 'good' and you pick it up.
Example
“You hold your putter face against the cup and the grip of the putter reaches just past your ball. That's inside the leather — your partner says 'that's good, pick it up.'”
Why it matters
Inside the leather is a widely used shorthand for gimmes in casual and match play. It's not an official rule but a useful, consistent measuring stick.
Common beginner mistake
Not having a putter nearby to measure — always lay the putter down rather than just eyeballing it.
Related
casual
Common Phrases
Related
- GimmeA very short putt (usually inside the grip-length of your putter) that your playing partners agree to concede without you actually putting. Casual play only.
- Good-GoodAn informal agreement in match play or casual rounds where both players concede each other's short putts at the same time — both pick up without putting.
- Match PlayA format where you compete hole-by-hole. Win a hole, go 1-up. Lose it, go 1-down. Most holes won = winner.