Trevor Ng
Green-reading books are a contentious topic in the world of golf. While some argue that they detract from the skill of the game, others claim that they enhance performance and create exciting moments during tournaments. The use of these books has been restricted by the USGA and R&A, who introduced rules to limit the amount of detail they can contain and the circumstances in which they can be used. These rules apply to the highest levels of golf, such as the PGA Tour, and are designed to reduce players' dependency on intricate green-reading data. The debate around green books in golf centres on the balance between skill and technology, with some arguing that green-reading should be based solely on a player's vision, feel, and experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are green-reading books legal in golf? | It is said that green-reading books detract from the skill of the game. However, there is no statistical evidence to support this. |
| Yardage books | These are allowed in recreational events and local golf tournaments. |
| Yardage books are not allowed in tournaments unless the player or their caddie did the measurements and observations. | |
| Yardage books cannot be larger than 7 inches by 4.25 inches in size, and the scale of the greens can not exceed 3/8 of an inch for every 5 yards. | |
| Hand-drawn images | These are not required to meet the scale limit. They must be recorded in a book or on paper that meets the size limit of 4 ¼ x 7 inches. |
| Handwritten notes | These are limited to the player or caddie. |
| Notes created with the help of a computer design program | These are not considered "handwritten". |
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What You'll Learn
Limitations on green-reading materials
The limitations include size and scale restrictions on green-reading materials. Any book or paper containing a map or image of a putting green must not exceed 4 1/4 inches by 7 inches in size. This size limit also applies to handwritten notes and hand-drawn images of putting greens, regardless of the level of detail included. Additionally, any image of a putting green must adhere to a scale limit of 3/8 inch to 5 yards (1:480) or smaller.
While players can use a yardage or green book for reasons other than reading a line of play on the putting green without penalty, such as determining general slopes on the putting green or desired locations for their next stroke, they cannot use a putter for the stroke. Players are also prohibited from magnifying putting green information.
The use of computer-aided design (CAD) programs to create putting green maps is permitted, provided they meet the scale and size limits. However, notes created with CAD are not considered "handwritten" and must be physically written or drawn by the player or caddie to qualify as such.
These limitations on green-reading materials aim to preserve the skill and judgement involved in reading greens while still allowing players to use resources strategically to enhance their performance.
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Hand-drawn images and notes
Additionally, hand-drawn images and notes are only allowed if they are created by the player, caddie, or an assigned advice giver identified to the committee for a given round. The player can use these notes to determine how far and where to hit an approach shot into a green, including general slopes on the putting green and the desired location for the next stroke, provided that a putter is not used for the stroke.
It is important to note that the use of hand-drawn images and notes in golf has been a subject of debate. Some argue that green-reading materials detract from the skill of the game and contribute to slow play at elite events. As a result, rules regarding the use of hand-drawn notes and images may continue to evolve to balance the benefits of detailed course information with the traditional skills and challenges inherent in the game of golf.
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Use of a putter
Green-reading books are guides that provide detailed graphics of each hole, denoting the direction and degree of the slope from anywhere on the putting surface. They are meant to help golfers read the greens and determine the ideal path and speed for their putts.
While green-reading books can provide valuable information, their use is restricted during tournaments. Interpretations set by the USGA limit the materials that a player may use during a round to help with reading their line of play on the putting green. These limitations apply to any stroke made from the putting green and strokes made with a putter from anywhere when the player intends for the ball to come to rest on the putting green.
This means that players cannot use the green-reading books when making strokes with a putter, as it is essential to maintain the skill of putting. However, players can use such books for other reasons without penalty, such as determining the general slopes on the putting green when playing an approach shot or deciding on a desired location for their next stroke, as long as they do not use a putter for the stroke.
Additionally, players can use handwritten or drawn information about a putting green to read the line of play if it is created by a caddie they have had during the tournament or practice rounds. These notes must meet specific size and scale requirements, and players can request to inspect their competitor's caddie's or player's book if they suspect illegal use of notes or information.
While some argue that green-reading books detract from the skill of the game, others find them advantageous, providing confidence in their putting and helping them save strokes on the greens. Ultimately, the use of green-reading books during tournaments is regulated to balance the benefits of golf technology with maintaining the traditional skills of the game.
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Caddie's role
The role of a caddy, or looper/jock as they are also known, is to assist the golfer and serve their needs. The caddy is expected to know the golf course inside out, identifying potential danger zones and hazards that could impact a player's score. They also offer valuable insights on hazards, slopes, and distances to the green, guiding players to make strategic shot selections based on their skill level.
Caddies are responsible for keeping the golf clubs, balls, and other equipment clean throughout the game. They should carry different types of towels and appropriate cleaning products. It is common for caddies to clean the ball before each tee-off and putting attempt once the ball is on the green.
Caddies must also know the difference between irons, wedges, putters, woods, and hybrids, as well as the different numbering configurations used with certain clubs. For example, knowing the difference between a 9-iron and a 9-hybrid. They should be able to advise golfers on which club would be best for a particular shot and be able to respond with different club options.
Caddies are also expected to keep score and track where the ball is going after the golfer hits it. They need to know the exact direction the ball went in and where it landed, using various markers and landmarks to help locate the ball, even when they cannot see it.
Caddies often build lasting partnerships with players, developing a rapport that contributes to overall performance. Their pay is usually based on a percentage share of prize money.
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PGA Tour rules
The use of green-reading materials, such as yardage or green books, has been a topic of discussion and controversy in the golf world, including the PGA Tour. Some argue that these books detract from the skill of the game, while others find them advantageous.
In 2021, the USGA and R&A introduced a new rule, MLR G-11, which limits the use of green-reading materials during tournaments, including those on the PGA Tour. This rule was implemented to emphasise the skill of judging slopes, ridges, and breaks by eye and experience.
According to MLR G-11, players and caddies are restricted to using tournament-approved yardage books that meet specific size and scale requirements. The book or paper containing handwritten notes or hand-drawn images of putting greens must not exceed 7 inches by 4.25 inches in size, and the scale of the greens must not be more detailed than 3/8 of an inch for every 5 yards.
While players can still use such books to determine general slopes on the putting green and approach shots, there are limitations on when they can be used during a round. These limitations apply to any stroke made from the putting green and strokes made with a putter from anywhere when the player intends for the ball to come to rest on the putting green.
Additionally, the new rule also restricts what players and caddies can add to their yardage books before and during rounds. While club distances and notes about observed putts are allowed, the use of computer-aided design (CAD) programs to create putting green maps is prohibited.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, green books are legal in golf, but there are limitations on their use.
The limitations apply to any stroke made from the putting green, and to a stroke made with a putter from anywhere when the player intends for the ball to come to rest on the putting green.
Any handwritten notes, including hand-drawn images of putting greens, must be contained in a book or on paper that meets the size limit of 4.25 x 7 inches.
Yes, players can use an oversized image of a putting green map to determine the line of play for an approach shot as long as they do not use a putter for the stroke.
No, a player cannot use a yardage or green book that contains images that do not meet the "scale limit." The scale of the greens can not exceed 3/8 of an inch for every 5 yards.
