GIMMES

RULES: It is the etiquette of matchplay where you are expected to respect your opponent's ability by not asking him to hole out if his ball is very close to the hole - usually within a foot (12 inches, or 30cm for those working in new money). A player, on clarifivcation from his opponent may thus pick up his ball without marking it and count the action as a would-be stroke. This notion of the 'gimme' is interpretative and at players' respective discretions. It should never be a player's assumption that a shot is a gimme, nor should they attempt to force a 'gimme'

Ian Gibson (Team South) retorts James MacLachlan (Team North) in a clear attempt at gamesmanship after the latter mentioned the 'gimme', "Surprised to hear you mention gimmes - beware, Team South, my experience of playing with Team North team members is that only if the ball is within 50mm [Ed - that's a fifth of an inch for those of you working with old money] of the hole will a gimme be considered. Jimbo once made me putt a distance less than the span of my right hand - I tell no lies, I measured the distance for posterity and so that I can bring it up in a sulky fashion on occasions such as this. That rogue Grant isn't much more generous. No doubt Mr Watt and Mr Mutch are classier than this, but only time will tell...".