A yardage book, sometimes called a course guide or strokesaver, is a small booklet with a diagram and distances for every hole. Professional caddies make detailed books for each event, and many courses sell simple guides for visitors. Used well, a yardage book helps you plan every shot, especially on a course you don't know.
What's in a yardage book?
- Hole diagrams: fairways, rough, bunkers, water and trees.
- Distances: from tees to hazards and from markers to greens.
- Green diagrams: shape, sometimes with slopes.
- Course information: par, stroke index and local rules.
How to read it
- Note the reference points (sprinkler heads, markers or trees).
- Check whether distances are to the front, middle or back of the green.
- Measure from your ball to the nearest reference point and add or subtract.
- Look at the hole shape before choosing your club. Read how to read a golf hole.
Making your own notes
- Target lines off each tee.
- Club choices in different winds.
- Safe sides and places to avoid.
- Green slopes (within the rules).
Read keeping a golf journal.
Yardage books vs GPS
| Yardage book | GPS or rangefinder | |
|---|---|---|
| Distances | Fixed reference points | Exact from your position |
| Layout and strategy | Excellent overview | Varies by device |
| Notes | Easy to add | Limited |
| Battery | None needed | Needs charging |
Many golfers use both. Read rangefinder vs GPS.
The rules
You may use yardage books during a round. However, the rules limit the scale and detail of green-reading materials, such as detailed slope maps, and handwritten notes on green slopes must meet certain limits. Check the current rules and any local rules. Read conforming golf equipment.
How to use a yardage book on the course
- Find your position: locate your ball relative to features such as sprinkler heads, bunkers or trees shown in the book.
- Read the distances: to the front, centre and back of the green, and to hazards.
- Check the green diagram: slopes, tiers and the day's pin position.
- Factor in conditions: wind, elevation, temperature and lie.
- Choose your target and club.
What the symbols mean
| Symbol | Usual meaning |
|---|---|
| Numbers on fairways | Distance from that point to the front or centre of the green |
| Arrows | Direction and amount of slope |
| Shaded areas | Bunkers, water or trees |
| Contour lines | Elevation changes, especially on greens |
| Dotted lines | Carry distances over hazards |
| Small circles | Sprinkler heads with distances |
Adding your own notes
- Club choices: note which club you hit to each green and where it finished.
- Wind direction: how the prevailing wind affects each hole.
- Green speeds and slopes: notes from practice rounds.
- Safe areas: the best places to miss.
- Hole strategy: targets from each tee.
Read how to read a golf hole and golf journal.
Making your own yardage book
For your home course, a personal yardage book can be a great improvement tool:
- Use course maps or satellite images to sketch each hole.
- Measure distances with a rangefinder or GPS. Read rangefinder vs GPS golf.
- Note landmarks with distances.
- Update it as you learn more.
Yardage books and course management
A yardage book helps you plan each hole like a professional: identify trouble, choose safe targets and play to your strengths. Read golf course management.
Where to get a yardage book
Many courses sell yardage books at the golf shop or include course guides with green fees. Apps also provide digital course guides. Read golf apps and online tools.
Frequently asked questions
What is a yardage book in golf?
A booklet with hole diagrams and distances for each hole on a course.
Are yardage books allowed in competitions?
Yes, though green-reading materials are restricted in scale and detail.
Do I need a yardage book if I have GPS?
Not necessarily, but books give a useful overview and space for notes.
Where can I get a yardage book?
Many courses sell them in the pro shop.
Are yardage books allowed in competitions?
Yes, though some competitions limit the scale and detail of green-reading materials. Check the terms.
Do I need a yardage book if I have GPS?
Not necessarily, but a book gives a clear overview of each hole and space for your own notes.
The bottom line
A yardage book helps you plan smarter golf, especially on new courses. Learn to read it, add your own notes and use it alongside GPS if you like. For more on strategy, read golf course management.