Inside the Leather

A traditional method for determining gimme putts by measuring with the putter grip, where putts shorter than the putter grip length are considered automatic and don't need to be holed out. This practice is common in casual play and some match play formats as a way to speed up play and avoid arguments over very short putts. Understanding inside the leather conventions helps golfers participate appropriately in casual matches while recognizing that this practice is not permitted in stroke play or official competitions. The measurement provides a consistent standard for determining gimme distances.