how do you measure yardage on a golf course

The answer: Yardages should be measured to the center of the putting green. The yardage of any given golf hole is reported on the scorecard and usually on a marker at the teeing ground. The teeing ground marker typically tells golfer the number of the hole, the yardage of the hole, and the par of the hole (such as in the photo above).

Full Answer

How do you find the yardage of a hole in golf?

The yardage of any given golf hole is reported on the scorecard and usually on a marker at the teeing ground. The teeing ground marker typically tells golfer the number of the hole, the yardage of the hole, and the par of the hole (such as in the photo above).

Where should yardages be measured on a putting green?

By 1967 the United States Golf Association had mandated the line-of-sight method for measuring golf holes. At that time, steel tape was a viable measuring tool, …

How do you read yardage signs on a golf course?

Oct 08, 2020 · Golf yardage books are detailed guides that pros and their caddies use to navigate the course during play. They are measured every year and updated within half an inch, so players know exactly how far it is from tee to green and everything in between. What Yardage Book Do Pros Use The book that all pros use is Mark Long’s Yardage Book.

How far do you measure from the tee on a golf course?

Are yardage markers to the front of the green?

Golf Course Yardage Markers A yardage marker is an object found on the golf course that shows the distance to the center of the green, and depending on the course, to the front and back edges of the green to assist a golfer in determining which golf club he should hit.

Are golf course holes measured in feet or yards?

Golf courses are measured in yards where that is the unit used in that country, and in metres where that is that local norm. In the UK , we use yards, if we go to Europe to play, they use metres. In the days of course planners you added 10% to the metric numbers to get the yardage.

How do you read yardage markers on a golf course?

Most common are colored disks at set distances on every hole. Generally, a red disk denotes 100 yards to the center of the green, white 150 yards and blue 200 yards. Many courses also mark sprinkler heads with the distance to the center of the green as well.

Are golf holes measured to the front of the green?

Each hole must be measured horizontally (air line) by an electronic measuring device (EMD), surveying instruments, or a global positioning system (GPS) from the permanent yardage marker for every teeing area on the golf course to the center of the green.

How is golf hole distance calculated?

Short answer, golf holes are measured “across the ground” using the playing route that most golfers will take. For example, on a dogleg hole, the measurement is taken from the tee box to the apex of the dogleg. Then from that apex to the center of the green.

What is the size of a golf course?

Based on a report from the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America, an 18-hole golf facility, which includes bodies of water, hard structures and out-of-play areas, averages about 150 to 200 acres. Typical urban golf courses are about 110 to 120 acres, while courses in resort areas may be 170 to 190 acres.

What is a yardage guide?

What is a yardage book? Yardage books are a handbook used by golfers when playing a round. These books contain information about distances, hazards, and green complexes for every hole on the golf course. Typically, yardage book offer a little bit more information than the average scorecard.Jul 16, 2019

Are golf distances measured in yards?

The US, UK, Canada, Japan, and Korea, all use the yardage system and hosts more than 60% of the world's 38,864 golf courses. It is, therefore, safe to say, that more courses use yards than meters.Feb 9, 2021

What are the red markers on a golf course?

Red stakes pounded into the ground on a golf course or red lines painted on the ground are the markers used to indicate a lateral water hazard. A lateral water hazard is differentiated from a "regular" water hazard by the fact that it is, well, lateral.May 27, 2018

Does every course have a yardage book?

Do all golf courses have yardage books? No, not every golf course has a yardage book, which is very unfortunate as they are super helpful for some golfers. But just because your local golf course doesn't offer yardage books in the pro shop, doesn't mean you can't get them. Instead, you just need to find them online.

Do courses sell yardage books?

Some courses provide yardage books, but most do not. Often the ones that you see in your golf shop are filled with advertisements, making it difficult to make notes like charting greens and places to miss.May 4, 2018

What do golfers use to measure distance?

A proposed change to the Rules of Golf—if adopted, the rule will go into effect in 2019—allows players to use distance-measuring devices (DMD) including GPS units, rangefinders, and smartphone or tablet apps during play, unless a Local Rule prohibits it.Mar 3, 2017

Air Vs. Ground

A key question when measuring a golf hole is whether the measurement is taken in a straight line from one spot to the next, or if it follows the ground’s contours. The contour method was preferred for most holes in the early 20th century. Depending on a hole’s configuration, this method is sometimes more accurate than a line-of-sight measurement.

Measuring Methods

By 1967 the United States Golf Association had mandated the line-of-sight method for measuring golf holes. At that time, steel tape was a viable measuring tool, along with surveying instruments.

Beginning and End Points

Accurate hole measurements must include consistent starting and end points. Pursuant to Section 12-1 of the USGA Handicap Manual, courses should maintain a permanent marker in each tee area, and measurements should begin from those points.

Dogleg Holes

Measurements of dogleg holes typically follow the standard playing path.

Professional Golfer Yardage Book

Under the USGA rules, golfers in professional tournaments are not permitted to use artificial instruments to measure yardage .

What Yardage Book Do Pros Use

The book that all pros use is Mark Long’s Yardage Book. He is a former caddie of 25 years and spends his days mapping out the tours golf courses and creating books to help caddies and professionals find their way around tour courses.

Can Pro Golfers Use Range Finders

Under the rules of the USGA, pros are not allowed to use top golf rangefinders. The wording states that artificial instruments are not to be used in gameplay.

Conclusion

If you have any other questions or comments regarding professional use of yardage books, please leave them in the section below.