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Building a Yardage Book to "Carry" Yourself like a Professional Golfer
Gary Woodland of the United States checks his yardage book on the 15th green during the first round of The Memorial Tournament on July 16, 2020 at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio.Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images
It's not simply knowing that you hit your 8 iron 150 yards. It is far more intricate than that and that is evident each weekend when you watch the best players in the world.
From 2020 PGA Champion Collin Morikawa to recent AIG Women’s Open Champion Sophia Popov and every professional in between, the best players in the world know what their yardages are for each club from the standpoint of what they carry the ball and what the total distance plus roll, or negative distance via spin, will be.
This goes even deeper for elite players. They not only know their carry distances for each club, strategize and calculate the obstacles to navigate on the course but also bring in factors such as wind, moisture, green firmness, and more. In addition, they know what they carry each club at full speed, 80 percent, 60 percent, and so on.
That’s not to say you have to build your yardage book as extensively as the best do, but you do need to know what your carry distances are for each club and learn how to “read” the course better.
It’s important that amateur golfers looking to improve their game know which club will allow them to carry hazards, reach the correct level of a green, or what the yardage is over the back of the green if you are firing at that back pin.
Players like Morikawa and Popov don't win on golf's biggest stages just because they hit the ball well. They do so because they know the intimate details of the course, hole by hole, and plot their game around the course based on an in-depth knowledge of knowing their carry distances.
You too can use this strategy to improve your game. It just takes a little time on the range calibrating your carry distances and studying the course a little more in-depth as you play. If your course has a yardage book, make that investment. If they don’t, create your own.
The quicker you can learn more details about your game and the course, the quicker you will be on your way to carrying yourself like the best golfers in the world.
Sorrento, FL
Brendon Elliott
Director of Instruction, Freelance Golf WriterAfter 16 remarkable years of nurturing young talent and fostering a love for golf through The Little Linksters Golf Academy, Brendon Elliott is excited to announce the transition of leadership to esteemed Coach Ricky Collado in 2025. As the baton is passed, Coach Ricky will take charge of all operations and become the primary point of contact for any Linksters-related inquiries. As Brendon steps into a new chapter, the focus will shift to launching and growing BE A GOLFER, a new academy dedicated to competitive teenage golfers. This initiative will continue both in-person and remote coaching, harnessing years of expertise to nurture the next generation of golfing talent. Further expanding horizons, Brendon will also dedicate time to One More Roll Golf Media. This venture aims to collaborate with various golf media outlets and businesses, delivering high-quality written, video, and voice content. Despite these new ventures, Brendon will remain closely connected with Little Linksters. A commitment to collaboration with Coach Ricky will continue, particularly with projects like the PGA Junior League, ensuring a lasting impact and smooth transition. “I am thrilled about the future of Little Linksters under Coach Ricky Collado’s leadership. This transition marks a change and an exciting new direction for me and the academy. I look forward to contributing my efforts towards developing competitive young golfers and advancing in the golf media landscape.” ~ Brendon R. Elliott, PGA More About Coach Brendon... Brendon Elliott is a distinguished PGA Professional who has received over 25 prestigious industry awards recognizing his contributions and influence in youth golf, most notably, the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award. With numerous appearances on the Golf Channel and local news outlets in Florida, Brendon has established himself as a respected educator and influencer in the golf industry. Renowned for his expertise in all aspects of golf, he is a sought-after speaker at golfing events and panels. In the past three years, Brendon has expanded into media, writing for esteemed outlets such as PGA.com, PGA Magazine, Golf.com, GolfWRX.com, RG.org, and many others. Elliott is also part of the “Quiet Please Golf Podcast” crew and hosts a livestream show on the Golf Live App called “Monday Evening Tee Time.” Brendon’s dedication to advancing the sport has made a significant impact on the golf community.
Meet Brendon
