51 Across

NYT Daily ? September 25, 2025

Final stroke of most rounds

Answer:

PUTT

Hint:

Think of the gentle tap that sends the ball into the hole—often the last move before tallying your score.

Explanation:

This clue plays on the double meaning of "rounds." In golf, a round refers to a full game, and the final stroke of most holes is a putt—the gentle tap to sink the ball. The word "stroke" here hints at a golf swing, while "rounds" cleverly ties to both the game and the shape of a hole (or even a drink order, though that’s a red herring). The answer is straightforward once you spot the golf reference.

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General solving tip

Match the clue's grammar: plural with plural, past with past. If the clue ends in 's' or uses a past-tense verb, mirror that form in the entry.

More tips → General Hints