How Do Pro Golfers Know Yardage?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The yardage book are ubiquitous on the PGA Tour.

Players and caddies carry them in their pockets and consult them before each shot

. They show yardages to various targets on each hole, different points of elevation, and a close-up of the green that shows detailed contours and yardages.

Can pro golfers use range finders?

While

professional still cannot use rangefinders in most competitions, they do use them during practice

. For best performance during competition, training should closely relate so the athletes get the best transfer from training.

How do pros use yardage books?

Locate the hole and tee box you're playing. For example, it might say #1 is a Par 4 and 444 yards from your tee box. Then, scan the page to see the distances to hazards that you want to avoid (like fairway bunkers, water, and/or tree clusters). Then, identify your ideal landing spot and use the right club off the tee.

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.

Do all golf courses have yardage books?


Some courses provide yardage books, but most do not

.

Can PGA Tour caddies use rangefinders?


Players or caddies may use rangefinders on the course during practice

to help create or modify a yardage book that they may consult during the actual tournament.

Are GPS watches allowed in Golf competitions?

Garmin has announced that as of January 1, 2016, the full range of Garmin Approach distance measuring devices will be permitted for use in golfing competition, subject to local rule and usage code of practice set out by the recent announcement of changes to the R&A rule book.

Are rangefinders worth it?


Laser Rangefinders are definitely worth the money if you are looking to improve you game

. There are budget options for under $100 that will give you a reliable and accurate reading of distance and if you play regularly, you will get value for money from the rangefinder.

How are club distances measured?

The most accurate way to determine how far each club goes is to

use a high quality launch monitor

. Radar-based units like FlightScope and Trackman measure the ball until it hits the ground, providing detailed information about its flight.

What's the average distance for golf clubs?

Club Average Distance
8 Iron


160 – 200 yds
9 Iron 148 – 185 yds Pitching Wedge 136 – 170 yds

What is GPS used for in golf?

Golf GPS systems use satellites to

pinpoint your exact location

. At their simplest level golf GPS systems then use this information to give golfers valuable information on yardages, including distance to the green and distance to hazards.

How do I get a yardage book for my golf course?

How do you read a yardage book for a golf course?

How do I print a yardage of a book?

Is the PGA doing away with yardage books?

But

green-reading books are going away for tournament use on the PGA Tour on January 1

, so let's examine what's going to happen, how it came about, how it will be enforced, and what's allowed and not allowed. This decision to ban green-reading material from the PGA Tour is completely player driven.

Can you use binoculars in golf?



Binoculars are a common sight at PGA Tour events

; fans often use 'em to check out the action from long distance. Rarer is seeing them in the hands of a player. Still, binoculars were exactly what Rickie Fowler needed on the 6th hole Friday when his ball got stuck in a tree.

Are laser rangefinders legal in golf?

With the introduction of the new Rules of Golf in 2019,

golfers are now allowed to user laser rangefinders and GPS units

— often referred to together as distance-measuring devices (DMDs) — while playing golf, either recreationally or competitively.

Is slope on rangefinder legal?


A rangefinder with slope is legal to use once it can be disables during competition play

.

Do Snipers use rangefinders?

A sniper's spotter typically also wears camouflage. In the 2010s, a spotter uses various optical gear and

in some cases a laser rangefinder

. Snipers may also use monopods, bipods or tripods to steady their aim.

Should a high handicapper use a rangefinder?

For a higher handicapper,

the rangefinder will help them understand what their different yardages are for each club

. A new player may not know how far they hit their hybrid or irons, and the rangefinder can help establish some knowledge and feel.

How much do rangefinders cost?

Laser Rangefinder Retail Cost Warranty
Laser Link QuickShot


$289.00


1 year
Bushnell Tour v3 $299.00 2 years Leupold PinCaddie $314.99 1 year Laser Link White Magic $329.00 1 year
Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.