counting putts

Question
You've said that there are no USGA rules for defining a putt, so typically If
someone is on the green, putts to the hole, misses and goes off the green,
should the next stroke be counted as a putt?  Also, is this stroke eligible for a
"chip in."

Answer
Hello Cynthia,

For my own personal stats and wanting to know how many putts I had that day I am counting how many times I used the putter. Mind you I only putt from 1 to 3 feet from off the green. The PGA Stats only count putts from the putting surface as do most Men's and Women's clubs. For my own benefit my way works well,  I suppose stats could be skewed if larger groups used my way,  like a guy I knew, Harvey, an older gentleman that would use his putter from 50 feet out !!

I believe a "chip in" to be any shot from off the green that goes into the hole. period plain and simple.

As far as putting off the green and coming back on, I would count that as a chip in, I think that although the USGA Rulebook doesn't define chip either, I think it is common belief that any shot from off the green regardless if it is a 3 iron, wedge or 5 wood, or putter for that matter is known as a "chip in"  I think I mentioned in a previous answer that just because you use your Driver doesn't necessarily make it a drive,  it is the shot or method that describes the play, not the club.  If your ball lay under a bush and could only be reached with your driver so you punched it out into the fairway with your "Driver"  it certainly is not counted as a drive.

I hope that helps.  Best thing is to discuss within your group or circle of players and get it straightened out before play because some people can get kind of petty over this when a few dollars for a chip in might be involved.  A lot easier to discuss it before the issue rather than after and players are polarized.  Thank you for your inquiry and enjoy your game.

Kim