putting surface is it a putt or a chip

Question
We play games that require us to count putts.  I say once you have stroked the ball on the putting surface.  I consider each subsquent stroke should be declared a putt no matter what club you use.  If I wanted to cheat I knock the ball off the green then when coming back on the green I could say it was a chip.  If you are playing bingo, bango, bongo you could definitly cheat.

Answer
Greetings Susie,

I'd have to agree with you on this one. While there aren't any set rules to these fun side games,the parameters should be set prior to starting the game, thus clarifying any misinterpretation.

I enjoy playing for putts as well, and have played that once a ball is on the putting surface, one starts counting for putts. If for some reason after the first putting attempt that ball ends up rolling off the green, and say comes to rest on the fringe, the next attempt is a putt...not a chip, no matter what club you have to use. That's like saying "ooops that putt didn't count, so let's start over with the count because now I have to chip it".

Side games are always a way to keep things interesting, but beyond the game, if for some reason there's alot of putting off the green going on, the focus should be improving one's putting skills, instead of finding ways to get around it just to win the pot. In the long run, those folks will win many low putt games, improve their score, and lower their handicap.....a "win-win" for sure!

Hope I answered your question Susie. As always, keep it fun and in the fairway!

Regards

Ruth Ann Allen
PGA Professional