A yardage book is an essential tool for golfers of all skill levels, as it provides detailed information about a golf course and helps golfers plan their shots more effectively. Creating a yardage book for a specific golf course can be a rewarding and enjoyable process. Follow these steps to create your own personalized yardage book:
Gather materials:
You’ll need the following materials to create your yardage book:
- Graph paper or a notebook with grid lines
- A pencil and an eraser
- A ruler or measuring tape
- A compass or a GPS device (optional)
- Colored pencils or markers (optional)
- Access to Google Earth or similar satellite imaging software (optional)
Research the golf course:
Visit the golf course’s website to gather as much information as possible, including a course map, scorecard, and any available hole-by-hole descriptions. Additionally, consider using Google Earth to get a bird’s-eye view of the course, which can help you map out the fairways, greens, and hazards.
Measure distances:
Visit the golf course and use a measuring tape, rangefinder, or GPS device to measure the distances between important landmarks, such as tee boxes, fairways, bunkers, water hazards, and greens. Make sure to measure the distances from multiple angles to provide a more accurate understanding of each hole.
Sketch the course layout:
On your graph paper or notebook, start by drawing a basic outline of each hole, including tee boxes, fairways, and greens. Use your ruler to ensure the distances you measured are accurately represented. Be sure to include any hazards, such as bunkers, water, or trees, as well as any significant elevation changes or slopes.
Add details and annotations:
Once you have the basic layout of each hole, use colored pencils or markers to highlight specific features, such as water hazards in blue or bunkers in tan. Include any relevant notes or observations, such as the location of preferred landing areas, the slope of greens, or the direction of the wind. If possible, include yardage numbers for key distances, such as the distance from the tee box to the center of the green or the distance between hazards.
Include a course map and scorecard:
Create a course map that provides an overview of the entire golf course, including the locations of each hole and important landmarks, such as the clubhouse or practice facilities. Attach a copy of the course’s scorecard to your yardage book, which will help you keep track of your scores and provide additional information about the course’s par, handicap, and yardages.
Bind your yardage book:
To keep your yardage book organized and protected, consider binding it using a folder, binder, or booklet. There are also specialized yardage book covers available for purchase, designed specifically for holding and protecting yardage books.
Test and refine your yardage book:
Use your yardage book the next time you play the course, and take note of any areas where your measurements or notes could be improved. Continuously update and refine your yardage book to ensure it remains accurate and helpful.
Steps to Create a Yardage Book
| Step | Description | Supplies | Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Course research and selection | Internet, golf course directory | 1-2 hours | Choose a course you frequently play or plan to play soon |
| 2 | Obtain course map and layout | Golf course website, Google Earth, or pro shop | 30-60 minutes | Obtain any course maps and aerial photos |
| 3 | Course visit and measurements | Measuring wheel, GPS device, or rangefinder | 3-5 hours | Measure distances for each hole, hazards, and notable features |
| 4 | Sketching the holes | Graph paper, pencil, ruler, eraser | 2-3 hours | Sketch each hole to scale, including hazards and yardage markers |
| 5 | Finalizing the yardage book | Laminated paper or cardstock, binder or booklet | 1-2 hours | Assemble the book, including notes on strategy and personal preferences |
Key Measurements and Distances
| Hole | Tee to fairway | Fairway to green | Hazards | Hole length | Par |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 200 yards | 150 yards | 3 | 350 yards | 4 |
| 2 | 280 yards | 120 yards | 2 | 400 yards | 4 |
| 3 | 180 yards | 170 yards | 3 | 350 yards | 4 |
| … | … | … | … | … | … |
Course Slope and Rating
| Tee Box | Course Rating | Slope Rating | Bogey Rating | Gender |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue | 72.5 | 135 | 97.5 | Men |
| White | 70.1 | 130 | 94.6 | Men |
| Red | 67.4 | 120 | 89.9 | Men |
| Gold | 69.6 | 125 | 94.3 | Women |
| Silver | 67.1 | 118 | 90.8 | Women |
Green Information
| Hole | Green size (sq. ft.) | Slope direction | Number of tiers | Notable features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5000 | Back to front | 1 | Front bunker |
| 2 | 6000 | Left to right | 2 | Back bunker |
| 3 | 4500 | Right to left | 1 | Water hazard |
| … | … | … | … | … |
Personal Notes and Strategies
| Hole | Club selection | Wind factor | Shot shape | Target line | Personal notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Driver | Crosswind | Draw | Left-center | Avoid bunker |
| 2 | 3-wood | Tailwind | Fade | Right-center | Aim for safe zone |
| 3 | Hybrid | Headwind | Straight | Center | Club up for wind |
By following these steps, you’ll create a valuable tool that can help you better understand the golf course, make more informed decisions during your round, and ultimately improve your overall golfing experience.
