C
Clarity News Hub

Is the PGA doing away with yardage books?

Author

James Craig

Published Jan 16, 2026

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.

Are Greens books allowed?

Green-reading books are perfectly legal under the R&A and USGA rules. They exist for thousands of courses, other than Augusta National, and every course that's hosted a PGA Tour event in the last, say, five years.

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.

Who is the most disliked golfer on the PGA Tour?

Rory Sabbatini

He was not well-liked prior to a nasty split with his ex-wife, and her revelations about Sabbatini have done further damage to his reputation (a feat few thought possible). Consider this, via Golf Today: "Rory Sabbatini is the most hated man in golf.

What is the Green book that golfers use?

How is the Green Book made? The book is made using laser and GPS survey data which enables us to model the green surface to 1/2 millimetre accuracy. We then use our specialist Clere software which turns the GPS survey data and 3D model into drawings designed to help golfers understand the green and surrounding area.

41 related questions found

Are StrackaLine yardage books legal?

StrackaLine Greens Guides are 100% USGA Legal.

Will the USGA ban green-reading books?

This decision to ban green-reading material from the PGA Tour is completely player driven. It is going to be a Local Rule, as allowed by the USGA and R&A.

Who is the biggest jerk on the PGA Tour?

1. Tiger Woods. What His Fans Say: "Tiger Woods!" is what his fans yell, to be precise. Woods is still golf's only transcendent superstar, and there is nothing more exciting in the game than this golfer in contention on the weekend.

Why is Mickelson upset with PGA?

Pro golfer and incumbent PGA Championship winner Phil Mickelson is taking time away from the sport after intense backlash surrounding his comments about the Saudi government and human rights abuses.

Who are the slowest golfers on tour?

Ben Crane. Ben Crane is one of the slowest players to ever play on the PGA Tour, which makes it very difficult to watch him play.

Is a yardage book worth it?

But if you're someone who can break 90 and wants to lower your handicap, then yes a yardage book is so worth it. A yardage book might help you have 3-5 (or more) strokes as you can have a better strategy on each shot and keep the momentum going.

How do pro golfers get yardages?

Professional Golfer Yardage Book

To know the course's exact distances and dimensions, professionals rely on a tour caddie yardage book. Golf yardage books are detailed guides that pros and their caddies use to navigate the course during play.

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.

Can PGA players use greens books?

The PGA Tour's local rule banned notes gained from any type of measuring instrument, asserting that players must use “committee approved” yardage books and any handwritten notes about the greens must come directly from the naked eye. (Amateurs are still free to use the books or other green-reading apps.)

What do golfers have in their book?

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.

What are the new PGA rules?

The PGA Tour will implement a new local rule and limit driver length to 46 inches (previously 48 inches). If this one sounds familiar, that's because Phil Mickelson has been a vocal critic of it. Mickelson, who won the PGA Championship last year with a 47.9-inch driver, has called the change “pathetic.”

What did Phil Mickelson say Saudi?

Mickelson said of the Saudi regime: “They're scary mother——- to get involved with. We know they killed (Washington Post reporter and US resident Jamal) Khashoggi and have a horrible record on human rights. They execute people over there for being gay. “Knowing all of this, why would I even consider it?

How much does Tiger Woods caddie make?

Tiger Woods Earnings

During his time caddying for Tiger Woods, Steve earned at least $12 million in bonuses and salary alone. Tiger also reportedly gave Steve 10 vehicles that were won at tournaments.

How much does it cost to play in the Masters?

An individual entry fee of $400 is paid by almost all the professional golfers participating in a pre-tournament qualifying event. Nationwide Tour and Champions players pay $100 each, whereas non-exempt PHA Tour members do not pay any entry fee.

Who is best golfer of all time?

1. Jack Nicklaus. Jack Nicklaus sets the "Golden" standard when it comes to golf. With 18 professional majors, two US Amateurs, three Players titles, 73 PGA Tour victories, 10 Champions Tour trophies and 115 worldwide victories in all, Nicklaus is the best golfer in history.

Are golf yardage books legal?

Changes coming to PGA Tour yardage and greens books starting January 1, 2022. Under the new rule, players and caddies will be allowed to include handwritten notes about greens and slopes, but must do so using only information gained from their own eyes, and not with the aid of levels or other slope-reading technology.

Are PGA golfers allowed to use rangefinders?

While professional golfers 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.

Can you lay on the green to read a putt?

Q. May I kneel or lie on the green to read a putt? A. Although not recommended, yes.

Who makes green reading books?

It was at Torrey Pines that Jim Stracka first heard the news of a likely ban. Alongside his son, Chase, the duo co-founded StrackaLine, one of two major producers of green-reading books (the other is Tour Sherpa).

What is green reading?

Green reading is half the battle of becoming a great putter. Some golfers are very visual and can walk on the green and instantly see the read. Tiger is one of those players that has said he can see the path the ball needs to get on to end up in the hole.