what does blue mark mean on golf course as approach green

by Ezra Pouros 3 min read

The two blue dots identify the exact front and back of the green as measured by the USGA, and the line between them is the basis for determining the total green depth and measuring the depth of each day's hole location.Feb 27, 2015

Full Answer

What does through the Green mean on a golf course?

Through the Green: Every area of the golf course with the exception of teeing grounds, hazards and greens. So in short it means the fairways and the rough. Tiger Tees: Tee boxes which are used in professional competitions are called tiger tees in slang terms.

What do the colors on a golf course mean?

What do the colors mean? White stakes or white lines are used to indicate out-of-bounds. (A course can mark out-of-bounds in other ways, too; for example, a fence might mark the boundary along certain parts of a course.)

What do the markers on a golf course mean?

The markers are color coded according to distance, and while most courses use the same system, check with a course employee if you are unsure. Golf fairway markers are a series of disks placed on courses, usually on par 4s or par 5s, that signify the distance from that point in the fairway to the center of the green.

What are the colored Stakes and lines on a golf course?

When it comes to colors on a golf course, the stakes are high. Crossing the line could cost you strokes. We're talking about the colored stakes and lines golfers encounter on golf courses: Red stakes and red lines; yellow stakes and yellow lines; white stakes and white lines are the most common colors used as indicators.

What is the blue marker on a golf course?

Blue tee markers denote the teeing ground used for local or club championship play in tournaments, and is the tee used by skilled male players who have a low handicap. This tee is almost always the longest yardage for each hole, unless the course has black or gold tees.

What do the colors on a golf course mean?

A blue or yellow flag typically indicates a pin position, or where the hole is located, at the back of the green; a white flag is used when the hole is in the middle of the green; a red flag signals a pin position at the front of the green. The flag colors may vary, though.

What do the markers on a golf course mean?

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). The yardage may also be marked at various points along each hole, for example, from 200 yards out (from the putting green), 150 yards out, and 100 yards out.

What do the different color flags mean on golf greens?

Red - A red flag indicates the hole is at the front of the green. Blue - A blue flag denotes the pin is at the back of the green. Yellow - A yellow flag shows the pin position is at the back of the green. White - A white flag signals the hole position is in the middle of the green.

When should I move to the blue tees?

A good rule of thumb to use is if you cannot reach the green on a par three in one shot because of distance, it is a good sign that you should move up a tee. Also, the lower your handicap is, the further back you should be playing.

What are the different Colour tees in golf?

There are different teeing areas which are marked by different colour tee boxes on a course. Competition tees (white), men's tees (yellow), women's tees (red) and some clubs are introducing blue tees for veterans and juniors. The white tees are usually the furthest from the hole and the blue tees the nearest.

How far is the blue Stake in golf?

Yardage markers come in a few primary forms on most courses. 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.

What is the red marker on a golf course?

lateral water hazardRed 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.

What are tee markers?

Tee markers designate the space from which golfers begin each hole. And traditionally, they were colored red for forward tees, white for middle tees and blue for back tees. Today golf courses often use more than three sets of tees, and many different colors.

What does red white blue mean in golf?

BLUE means that the hole has been cut at the back of the green, furthest away from the golfer who is approaching. WHITE means that the hole has been cut somewhere in the middle of the green. RED means that the hole has been cut at the front of the green.

What are silver tees on golf course?

Silver tees allow the golfer to adjust the length and difficulty of the course so that it is compatible with their abilities, which makes the game more enjoyable, whether they are a beginner or avid golfer. These tees are designed to help players hit the greens in regulation.

What is the teeing ground marker?

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). The yardage may also be marked at various points along each hole, for example, from 200 yards out (from the putting green ), 150 yards out, and 100 yards out. A golf course might uses color-coded ...

What is the shortest yardage on a marker?

But what if such a marker lists more than one yardage? In that cause, it will probably give you three distances — one each to the front, middle and back of the green. In such a case, the shortest yardage listed is to the front of the green, the longest yardage to the back of the green, and the yardage in the middle to the center of the green.

What is yardage on a golf course?

Yardage markers on golf courses — teeing ground signs or other indicators — tell golfers how far they are from the green. But is the yardage listed on such signs measuring to the front of the green or the center of the green (or maybe even the back of the green)? It can make a difference in club selection, especially for very good golfers and especially on deep greens.

Where are yardages given in golf?

And assuming the golf course is using the correct procedure for measuring hole lengths, all yardages given are to the center of the greens.

What is a golf fairway marker?

Golf fairway markers are a series of disks placed on courses, usually on par 4s or par 5s, that signify the distance from that point in the fairway to the center of the green. The markers are color coded according to distance, and while most courses use the same system, check with a course employee if you are unsure.

What is the distance of a red disk on a golf course?

Yardage markers come in a few primary forms on most courses. 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.

How to determine yardage on a golf course?

In addition to yardage markers, players can carry devices that will help them determine yardage to the green or the pin without the aid of a marker or diagram. Some rangefinders use the relative size of the flag to determine distance to the pin when you look through the scope. Modern technology includes GPS devices capable of reading precisely where you are on a hole and giving you a yardage readout to the green and other locations.

What is yardage marker?

Golf fairway markers are a series of disks placed on courses, usually on par 4s or par 5s, that signify the distance from that point in the fairway to the center of the green.

Why do golfers put flags on the green?

Whether standing on the tee area to hit a drive or hitting an approach shot from the fairway, golfers typically use the flag to help aim their shot to the green. By visualizing the most direct path to the hole, golfers can plan their shots to play the hole with the fewest number of strokes.

What do flags mean in golf?

Flags mark the way for a golfer's journey.

What does the color of the flag on the green mean?

At many courses, the color of the flag on the flagstick indicates the general location of the hole on the green. A blue or yellow flag typically indicates a pin position, or where the hole is located, at the back of the green; a white flag is used when the hole is in the middle of the green; a red flag signals a pin position at the front ...

What is the safety feature in golf?

This safety feature typically is used in tournaments, when the course is crowded, and involves marshals who monitor play . The marshals use flag signals ...

What is the rule for flagsticks in golf?

Rule 17 of the Rules of Golf governs flags and flagsticks. If a golfer hits the flag with a shot when the flagstick is in the cup, the next shot must be played from where the ball comes to a stop. If you putt from on the green or if the flag has been removed for your shot, you are penalized if the ball hits any part of the flagstick, ...

What does the red line on a golf course mean?

The red lines on a golf course also indicate a lateral water hazard. It is worth noting that a single body of water hazard could have its side marked differently depending on whether its parts run adjacent or across the line of play. That is to say a water hazard could have a yellow stake or line from one side and a red stake or line from ...

What does the white stake mean on a golf course?

The white stakes on a golf course indicate out-of-bounds. That is, beyond the stakes’ nearest inside point is out-of-bounds.

How to drop a golf ball in a water hazard?

One is by dropping your ball within two club lengths of the point where the ball crosses or touches the hazard, no nearer the hole. The other is to go to the opposite side of the lateral water hazard and drop your golf ball at a spot on the hazard’s margin that is equidistant from the hole. All of these are explained in detail in Rule 26.

What are the colors of stakes and lines?

The common colors of stakes and lines you would notice are the whites, yellows and reds. Let’s examine what these colors mean and the penalties involved should you end up crossing them.

When is a golf ball considered a water hazard?

Your ball is considered in the water hazard when it touches the yellow markers or lies within the hazard. It is also worth noting that there are two options a golfer can choose from for dealing with a one-stroke penalty due to water hazard. The first option is to play the ball from its previous spot.

What is the first option to play the ball from its previous spot?

The first option is to play the ball from its previous spot. And the other option is to take a drop – that is dropping the ball at any point behind the hazard marker that was violated. More on water hazard rules in Rule 26.

Can golf course markers be used as out-of-bounds indicators?

It is worth noting that a golf course could also use other markers as out-of-bounds indicators such as a fence.

What does a dot on a golf pin sheet mean?

A basic pin sheet where the dot on the green represents the location of the hole. Courtesy of Oak Hills Country Club

How do golf courses update their pin sheets?

How do golf courses update these basic pin sheets? They typically have copies of their pin sheets that show only the shapes of the putting greens, with no hole locations yet marked. When the course superintendent sets the hole locations for the next day's play , he and/or one of the club pros takes a blank pin sheet and adds in the location of the cup on each hole. Then photocopies are made if that marking is done by hand, or copies are printed if it is done on a computer. Pretty simple.

What does the number on the green mean?

A few notes about the specific illustration above: The large numbers to the left of each green are the hole numbers. The numbers below each hole number represent this particular course's pace of play requirement (not necessarily something you'll see on a typical pin sheet). Also note that at the back of each of the three greens above, there is another number. That number is the depth of the green, from front to back, in paces. The top green (No. 11) is 33 paces deep.

How does knowing where the hole is located affect your shot selection?

And whether the flagstick is positioned on one side or the other of the green might affect your shot selection or aiming point into the green.

What is a hole location chart?

The type of pin sheet represented by the image here is typically referred to as a "hole location chart." The purpose of a hole location chart of this type is not to show you the specific location of the hole on each green, but the general location.

How many greens are there on a pin sheet?

And the most basic way to do that is represented in the pin sheet here. These most basic pin sheets typically show all 18 greens, drawn to give the golfer an idea of each green's shape, with a simple dot to represent the location of the cup on each green.

Why do golfers use pin sheets?

Most of us only need to worry about using pin sheets for their most basic purpose: To get a general idea of where the flag is located on the putting green.

What are the symbols on a golf scorecard?

What Are The Golf Scorecard Symbols? The different golf scorecard symbols include a solid circle, a circle, no symbol, a square and a solid square symbol . These represent a golfers score on a particular hole.

Why do we use golf symbols?

By using these golf symbols for scores it makes it quicker and easier to identify scoring when reading a golf scorecard.

Why do golfers use scorecards?

The golf scorecard is used by golfers all over the world when they are playing a round of golf at any of the vast amount of golf courses. This can range from the PGA Tour to even crazy golf! It helps players to track their performance both individually and in competition against others.

What does 18 mean in golf?

This is why they have a number ranging from 1 to 18 for each of the hole numbers. 18 means that it is the expected easiest hole on the golf course and 1 means that it is the expected hardest hole on the golf course.

How long is a golf scorecard?

Typically the scorecard will be around 6 inches long by 4..5 inches when it is folded. This makes it easy to carry in a pocket or golf bag without taking up too much room. Each golf scorecard has some common elements that are important to understand when playing a round of golf.

How to score a birdie in golf?

They work as follows: 1 Solid circle symbol – Represents an Eagle or better score (e.g. an Albatross or hole in one) 2 Circle symbol – Represents a Birdie 3 No symbol – Represents a Par 4 Square symbol – Represents a Bogey 5 Solid square symbol – Represents a Double-bogey or worse

What is the net score of a golf course if you have shot 90?

For example if the course is par 72 and you have shot a round of 90 but are allowed one stroke per hole then your net score will be 72.

What does "course" mean in golf?

Course: The Rules of Golf define the "course" as "the entire area in which play is permitted." For a tour of common features on golf courses, see Meet the Golf Course .

What is the name of the grass that runs through a golf course?

Bermudagrasses have thicker blades than bentgrass, resulting in a grainier appearance to putting surfaces. Burn: A creek, stream or small river that runs through a golf course; the term is most common in Great Britain.

What is an alternate fairway?

Alternate Fairway: A second fairway on the same golf hole that gives golfers the option to play to one fairway or the other.

What is a water hole in golf?

Water Hole: Any hole on a golf course that includes a water hazard on or alongside the hole (in a position where the water can come into play).

What is a cape hole?

Cape Hole: Today the term typically refers to a hole on a golf course that plays around a large, lateral hazard, and presents a risk-reward tee shot - the option of crossing part of that hazard (or playing around it). The fairway on a cape hole gently curves around the hazard, as opposed to the sharper dogleg style of hole.

What grasses are used in golf courses?

Some examples of cool-season grasses cited by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America include colonial bentgrass, creeping bentgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, fine fescue and tall fescue.

What is an approach course?

An approach course has holes that often max out at 100 yards in length, and might be as short as 30 or 40 yards, and may lack any designated teeing areas. Good for short-game practice and for beginning golfers.

What is the area around the putting green called?

Apron: The area which is neatly moved, especially around the putting green and between the putting surface and any kind of undulated ground surrounding the putting green is called apron . Army Golf: Army golf is a slang amongst the golf terms.

What does "above the hole" mean in golf?

Above the Hole: To describe the position of the golf ball in connection with the cup, or hole, when the ball is on the green, the golf phrase ‘above the hole’ is used. Ace: When a ‘hole in one ‘ is scored, or a player has scored 1 on any hole, it is an ‘Ace’ .

What is the term for the part of the golf club that strikes the golf ball at impact?

Clubface: The clubface is the part of the golf club which strikes the golf ball at impact.

What is an approach course?

Approach Course: A golf course having short holes, may be a par 3 distance or shorter and falling short on designated teeing areas is called approach course. Approach Wedge: Another name for gap wedge, approach wedge is a name for a golf club which has a high loft.

What is a country club?

Country Club: Country club refers to a social and recreational facility, either private or semi private and has a golf course most of the time.

What is the name of the golf ball that spins backwards?

Backspin: When the ball rotates backward (towards the player)in flight along its horizontal axis, it is called the backspin. Back Tees: The tees at the extreme rear of a golf course are the back tees. Backweight: Any weight attached to the back of the head of golf club is referred to a back weight.

What is an alternate shot in golf?

Alternate Shot: This is basically a golf competition format , also called the Foursomes. Here, two-member teams hit the same ball alternately. Alternate Tees: A golf hole is said to have alternate tees when there are two different sets of tee boxes built on that same hole.

Why is firm approach important in golf?

Firm, smooth approaches are very important to the game of golf, given their role in players’ shots to and around the putting greens. Extra labor and maintenance inputs to improve approaches may be difficult to adopt if course finances don’t allow.

Why is my putting green overwatering?

Overwatering is another common problem because automatic irrigation coverage from greens, fairways, and surrounds over- lap on approaches. When soils are wet, soil oxygen levels are reduced.

How to control thatch in golf course?

verticutting, such as with the walk- behind Graden, will also be helpful to keep thatch at a reasonable level. Effective thatch control programs are usually a combination of all of the above practices, and they will work if implemented regularly. Addressing poor automatic irrigation coverage to limit overwatering could require something as easy as replacing irrigation heads or as complex as completely redesigning the spacing to minimize coverage overlap. Increasing hand-watering inputs will also help, although this may not be possible unless there is adequate properly trained labor. Improving drainage on the approaches with traditional drain - age projects seems to be the most reliable strategy. Other programs that have been used with success include improving drainage and/or modifying soils through adding slit-trenches, sand-injection aeration, and even drill- and-fill aeration. Soil conditions are highly variable from one course to another, so work with you regional USGA Green Section agronomist to develop the best plan for your facility. Smooth surfaces are important to provide good ball roll for players to putt from the approaches onto the green. In addition to smooth surfaces, mowing height will have an impact on ball roll, as do the upright growth characteristics of the turf and its density. The mowing height needs to be sustainable based on the site, turfgrass species, and resources available. High-quality approaches often have mowing heights ranging between 0.275 and 0.450 inches. As with putting green turf, however, the lower the mowing height, the more predisposed the turf is to decline from environmental stress and disease, so agronomic adjustments to manage the extra stress will be needed. Lightly brushing, grooming, and/or verticutting the approaches to improve upright growth characteristics of the turf and surface smoothness are often helpful. Mowing the approaches separately from the fairways with triplex or walk- behind mowers is best. Heavy five- plex mowers can be very damaging to the turf, especially at the transition points like the collar and approach or fairway and approach interfaces. The weakest turf on many golf courses can be found at these transition points because they are so heavily trafficked from mowing equipment. For instance, two or three different pieces of mowing equipment might turn in this small area. Turning of mowers on these transition areas should be minimized to reduce mechanical stress as much as possible. A side-to-side pattern, i.e., three to six o’clock, will minimize mower turning on these areas, but extra wear and tear on the rough will need to be considered. If the mowing height is equal to the fairways, the transition point should be rotated often to minimize concentrated wear from equipment turning in the same location frequently.

How do golf courses evolve over time?

It is always interesting to see how golf courses evolve over time. Putting greens often shrink and become more circular, fairways and teeing grounds fall out of alignment, and bunkers be- come contaminated, lose their original shape, and develop higher mounds from sand being blasted onto the slopes.

What are some cultural practices to improve the smoothness of turf?

Brushing, grooming, and light verticutting are excellent cultural practices to improve the smoothness of turf on approaches.

What is the difference between a thick band of rough and a narrow approach?

A thick band of rough between the approach and the hazard will prevent balls from running into the hazard. Often the only way a ball finds these hazards is if it flies into it. Visually, narrow approaches with wide rough areas between the hazards make them much less intimidating.

Why should the performance of the approaches not be an after thought?

Unfortunately, turf manage- ment inputs are sometimes lacking on approaches, which leads to poor playability , especially for players who recognize the value of the ground game.