Building a Yardage Book System: How to Make Smart Decisions on the Course

Building a yardage book system

Every golfer has faced that moment of hesitation: you're standing over the ball, unsure of the wind, the pin position, or which club to choose. That indecision often leads to a poorly executed shot. But what if you could take the guesswork out of the game?

Enter the yardage book system — your personal playbook for success.

Why Use a Yardage Book?

A yardage book is more than just a map of the course. It’s a tool to:

• Plan your strategy for each hole

• Understand your ideal landing zones

• Account for elevation changes, wind, and hazards

• Make confident, informed club selections

Using a system like this gives you a tactical advantage, especially during tournament rounds or when playing unfamiliar courses.

Step 1: Learn Your Distances

Before you can build a yardage book, you need to know your stock yardages with each club. Use a launch monitor or spend time on the range charting consistent carry distances. Record them in a separate section of your book or app.

Step 2: Chart Each Hole

Walk or ride the course with intention. Mark down:

• Distances to key targets (bunkers, trees, water)

• Fairway widths and slopes

• Carry distances over hazards

• Green slopes and tiers

• Ideal miss locations

Most courses provide a basic yardage book, but creating your own with added notes makes it far more powerful.

Step 3: Use Landmarks and Visual Cues

Pinpoint landmarks like sprinkler heads, trees, or edges of bunkers to help gauge distances from the tee and fairway. Add visual cues in your notes to remind you where to aim and what to avoid.

Step 4: Pre-Round Strategy Planning

Before a round, review your notes for each hole. Determine:

• What club to hit off the tee

• Where you want your approach shot to come from

• Where the pin is located that day and how that affects your plan

This is your course blueprint — follow it to minimize stress and maximize consistency.

Step 5: Stay Committed

When you're confident in your preparation, you can fully commit to every shot. That alone can save you strokes. A great yardage book system removes emotional decision-making and replaces it with structure.

Final Thoughts

The pros rely heavily on yardage books — and you can too. Whether you're a weekend warrior or competitive amateur, having a system gives you the confidence to execute and the clarity to improve.

Start building yours today and watch your scores drop.

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Need help creating your personalized yardage book or developing a course management strategy?

I offer one-on-one coaching online and in person — reach out at www.ericjmacdonaldpga.com to get started.