Yard
A yard is the English unit of length used to measure distances on many golf courses — one yard equals 0.9144 metres.
The yard is the classic unit of measurement in golf. On British, American and many international courses, all distances are given in yards: on the Scorecard, on the distance markers on the hole and in the Yardage Book. In Germany, by contrast, almost everything is measured in metres. So anyone playing abroad or on courses with yard markings needs to be able to convert. The rule of thumb: 100 yards are just over 91 metres; for a rough estimate, "yards times 0.9" will do.
On the course, converting helps you choose the right club. An example: the sign shows 150 yards to the flag. That is around 137 metres — the distance you play at home with your 7 iron. The reverse also applies: your familiar metre figures can be converted into yards by adding roughly ten per cent. If you use a laser or a GPS device, you can usually switch the display between the two units and should check before the round which unit is set.
A typical mistake is mixing up the units in the middle of a round. Anyone who reads 150 yards as 150 metres automatically picks the wrong club and ends up short of the green or in the Bunker behind it. You will also occasionally come across the smaller unit, the Inch, for example in rule specifications about club lengths. If you are unsure which unit applies at a facility, a quick glance at the scorecard or a question at the club office before the first tee shot will settle it.
FAQ
How do I quickly convert yards into metres?
Remember the rule of thumb: yards times 0.9 roughly gives you the metres. So 150 yards become around 135 to 140 metres — accurate enough for club selection. The reverse: add roughly ten per cent to your metre figures to get yards.
How do I know whether a course measures in yards or metres?
One glance at the scorecard tells you: German facilities almost always list metres, international courses often yards. For GPS devices and lasers, check the set unit before the round. If in doubt, just ask at the club office.
What happens if I mix up yards and metres?
You automatically choose the wrong club. Anyone who reads 150 yards as 150 metres plays about 13 metres too far and ends up past the flag or in the bunker behind it. Especially on golf trips, it is worth consciously fixing the unit for each course.