We all have our own random unique golf rules when we play with our friends. However, how much is too much of a good thing? If you have a breakfast ball is your score legit?  How short is a gimme putt below we will give a general guideline of how to follow golf's wide range of ‘made up’ rules. 

Breakfast Balls

You could ask 100 golfers what their rules are for breakfast balls and you'd likely get 100 different responses with their own unique position on why they are for or against breakfast balls. To simplify and break it down two of the most common responses to the question include;

Breakfast ball off the first tee box is okay. Essentially you abandon the round, and start a new round.

Range before = no breakfast balls. No range = 1 breakfast ball. 

We feel that both of these are valid responses to the question. It ultimately depends on the people you are playing with and the nature of the game. This is probably one of the more merky rules, a general rule of thumb is to establish an understanding with your opponents prior to teeing off. 

How short is a gimme putt?

A gimme putt is typically considered any putt within about 2 to 3 feet from the hole, but it’s really up to the group’s discretion. Some golfers are more generous and give gimme putts from further out, while others stick strictly to “inside the leather,” meaning the ball has to be within the length of the putter grip when laid on the ground.

The Snowman Rule

When you’re so far beyond saving a hole (and you’re about to hit your 8th shot), players sometimes invoke the “snowman” rule. Just write down an 8, call it a day, and move on. Your pride will thank you. 

Foot Wedge

For those moments when you mysteriously find yourself in the rough (again), the "foot wedge" rule is the art of discreetly kicking your ball to a better spot while no one's looking. It's golf’s quiet rebellion.

We can preach about what rules you should and shouldn't follow, but at the end of the day are you really going to listen, when you're about to go on the back 9 and you're edging closer to 100? Take that extra breakfast ball.