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Concessions in match play can be tricky — and playing on after one has been granted can cost your side dearly. The Girlfriends Guide to Golf breaks down Rule 23.6, explaining exactly what happens in a fourball when a player continues to putt after her stroke has been conceded and why it can invalidate her partner’s score.
Gilfriends Guide to Golf – Know The Rules
Rule 23.6 is one of those match play rules that trips up even experienced golfers, particularly in fourball competitions. The Girlfriends Guide to Golf walks through a clear on-course scenario to show how the order of play, concessions, and partner strategy all interact — and what the consequences are if you ignore a concession. If you play any form of team match play, this is essential viewing.
Key Takeaways
Concessions are finalOnce an opponent concedes your stroke, you cannot play on — your score stands at the conceded figure regardless of what happens next.
Concessions are finalOnce an opponent concedes your stroke, you cannot play on — your score stands at the conceded figure regardless of what happens next.
Your partner’s score is the one at riskIf you continue to putt after a concession and it could help your partner read the putt, your partner’s score for that hole cannot count for the side.
The key test is whether it helps your partnerIf your ball is on a completely different line and playing on could not reasonably assist your partner, continuing after a concession is not an issue — the rule only applies when there is a clear benefit.
Next time you are playing fourball match play, think carefully before putting out after a concession — the consequences fall not on you, but on your partner. This video is essential for anyone who plays club competitions or team matches and wants to avoid a costly misunderstanding of Rule 23.6.
