How do PGA players determine distance?
Emily Ross
Published Jan 22, 2026
The PGA of America decided, then, to allow the 156 professional golfers in their championship to use laser rangefinders during the championship itself. As a result, the players are allow to be measuring distances using laser rangefinders.
How do pro golfers determine distance?
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.
Do PGA players use rangefinders?
While professional golfers still cannot use rangefinders in most competitions, they do use them during practice.
How do PGA caddies calculate yardage?
However, I would say that the general rule of thumb would be: Pace off the distance to the front. Add the distance that the pin is on to give your total yardage to the flag. Calculate any other numbers your player may need like cover numbers (over bunkers or obstacles), back edge, ridges or tiers, etc.
How do you determine yardage in golf?
On par 3s, the yardage to the green is listed on the scorecard and, often, on a marker next to the tee. Once in the fairway (or rough, or fairway bunker), it's up to you to determine the length of your shot to the green so you can pick the right club.
37 related questions foundHow do I judge my golf yard without a rangefinder?
Walk Your Eyes. One of the best ways to gauge distances when you don't have a rangefinder is to walk the distance with your eyes in 10-foot or 10-yard intervals. Even with no practice, you might be able to get a decently accurate measurement this way.
How do you measure iron distances?
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 yardage book do the pros use?
Mark Long Yardage Books | The most demanded yardage books on the amateur and professional golf tours. Yardage books the caddies and players use on the PGA TOUR as well as at the United States Open Championship, the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup.
Do PGA players talk to each other?
Most players have a bit of a chat with their playing partners during a round. If they are buddies, they may talk a lot, it just depends on the pairings.
Do I need a golf yardage book?
Yes, some yardage books can help you read greens too. Not only do they help you with full swing shots, but more yardage books also offer tons of information about the green. A lot of them have slopes, arrows showing the break, and even more features.
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 GPS devices legal in golf?
The Unites States Golf Association's Rules of Golf have allowed the use of laser rangefinders and GPS devices in casual play and tournaments since 2006, but a local rule allowed a tournament committee to ban such devices.
Can you use a golf cart on the PGA Tour?
Golf carts are standard on most courses and help ensure that the game is available to everyone, even those with difficulty walking. Yet on the PGA Tour, professional golfers walk the entire course with their caddy lugging the clubs without so much as a hand cart.
Why do pro golfers carry a notepad?
That would be an example where a competing golfer would look into his or her notebook and see that they have a note written that says missing long on the green is a bad miss, and so they will know to not hit a club that has a chance of going long.
How do you walk off golf yards?
Measure the length of your stride with a tape measure or ruler to determine what kind of stride -- bigger, smaller or regular -- you need to adopt on the golf course to walk off yardages. Use your adjusted stride so each step corresponds to 1 yard.
What is the little book that golfers carry?
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.
What do pro golfers do between rounds?
Professional swing coaches follow their golfers around the course during practice rounds and help with golf course strategy. They also spend hours on the driving range and putting green as their clients hone their swings and putting strokes.
Do Augusta members use golf carts?
No carts are allowed at Augusta National -- ever
Forget the 90-degree rule, this is an all-walking, caddie course that is not going to be ruined by those pesky golf carts driving all over its pristine fairways. (Ironically, Club Car is headquartered in Augusta, Ga.)
What do golfers talk about?
Well, golf provides a litany of topics much broader than some may think. Topics include course conditions, weather, equipment, handicap system anomalies, and swing critiques; among many others. There may also be a discussion of the latest PGA results, rules changes, or possibly course history and architecture.
How far should a 7 iron hit?
A standard amateur golfer can hit a 7 iron from 128 yards to 158 yards. The lower range will be for women and senior golfers. To hit the ball over 150 yards in total distance with a 7 iron club, an amateur golfer will have to have a good swing and be physically fit.
How do you judge 20 yards?
Make Judging 20 Yards Automatic
For Example: A target is 50 yards away – One archer judges 20 yards, doubles it and sees that the target is about half the length of another 20 yards further – so he judges the target at 50 yards.
How do you find the distance to a pin?
How do you judge a distance to a pin in golf? Subtract the distance between the flagstick and the hole's total yardage. If the hole is 380 yards from the tees you used and the rangefinder says you're 120 yards from the flag, you hit your drive 260 yards.
How do you judge uphill distance in golf?
The first thing is to use the 15-feet formula. This formula should be approached as follows: If there is an uphill or a downhill shot of 15 feet of elevation, add or subtract one club. If there is more than 15 feet, add or subtract one club for every 15 feet.