[Kim Maengnyeong's Golf English Conversation] "Different Yardage Indicators at Each Golf Course"

Golf courses have various markers to estimate the distance to the green.

'No caddie system.'

Recently, due to the soaring cost of golf, more golfers prefer playing without a caddie. In this case, knowing the distance to the green is key for any golf. Fortunately, there are various yardage indicators to estimate the distance. From the tee box yardage sign to hole number, par, distance, terrain map, and contour markings, all provide useful information.

The sprinkler head on the fairway not only sprays water but also often has the distance to the green painted on it. Many courses put a plaque or write the distance on the sprinkler head. Yardage markers throughout the course also help golfers know the distance to the center of the green by using landmarks or shrubs.

Depending on the golf course, the front and back edges of the green are often used as reference points. That is why it is important to check the yardage marker reference at the first hole. The author once played at Gonjiam Golf Course in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do, and missed asking about the yardage marker reference, resulting in short shots on every hole. When the reference is the center, distance adjustments are needed depending on whether the pin is in front or back. Usually, front pin is -10m, back pin is +10m.

Yardage markers are stakes placed along the route from the teeing area to the green at set distances (50m, 100m, 150m, 200m, 250m). The most courses use the same system internationally: 100m (100 yard marker) is red (normally a red stick), 150m is white, 200m is blue, and 250m is marked with two ring blue lines.

A: What are golf course yardage indicators?

B: Three objects help a golfer know the distance. They are tee box yardage sign, sprinkler head, and yardage marker.

A: Where is the yardage marker in this hole?

B: There’s a small maple tree near the bunker on the left. That’s the 150-yard marker.

Text & photo by Kim Maengnyeong, golf columnist