"Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You"

Before you hit the panic button, give it some serious thought - please!

PURPOSE: To aid in speeding up play.

ADVANTAGE: "SPEEDING UP PLAY!" Also, keep in mind that certain putting situations will be advantageous to the person putting (such as a 15-inch downhill or sidehill put on holes 8A, 10B, or similar holes). However, keep in mind that somewhere during your golfing round, everyone (including you) will benefit from this advantage. Consequently, it balances out in the long run.

AUTHORITY: This "GIMMIE RULE" is implemented only by the Aesop Robinson Golf Association for normal weekday, weekend, and holiday play and any other time that it is agreed to between participating golfers. It is not meant to be used during Association sponsored events such as the Club Championship, Home & Home matches, President's Cup, etc.

GIMMIES: You may pick your ball up and count one stroke against par (or worse ) on putts a maximum of 15 inches or those 'inside the leather' on standard putters. That is, if any part of the ball is within or just barely touches 'the leather' of a standard putter, simply pick the ball up and count one additional stroke. There is no need for 'precision' or 'qualification', simply pick the ball up. NO! NO!! NO!!! DO NOT tap the ball in the hole - pick it up or knock it away FROM the hole! Tapping it in the hole works against the intent of this rule.

EXCEPTIONS: This rule does not apply to EAGLE or BIRDIE putts!

IN THE LEATHER: Each golfer will have the opportunity (if desired) to put a piece of tape around the shaft of their putter that is 15 inches from the bottom edge of their putter blade. That piece of tape will be the GIMMIE line marker.

MEASUREMENT: Determine the length of the GIMMIE by extending the putter blade horizontally on the ground along the line from the cup to the ball. The blade of the putter should be inside the cup.

So, my fellow golfers, let's give it a fair chance. Remember, this is not absolute! After a trial period, if it is not suitable to a majority of our members, we can do the next best thing ... get rid of it! In the meantime, this rule is in effect as of today.

Speaking of rules ... if all of us implement the "GIMMIE RULE" and keep in the mind the famous rule quoted at the top and bottom of this page, I assure you that there certainly will not be any problems of any sort!!

So, fellow golfers, let it happen!!

Signed by Jackie L. Martin, President
March 12, 1988