Plays-Like Distance
Also known as: plays like distance, extra club for an uphill shot, less club for a downhill shot, elevation change club selection, adjusting for elevation, slope adjusted distance, uphill approach shot
Plays-like distance is how far a shot effectively plays once elevation, wind and conditions are counted, not just the measured yardage. A target above you plays longer and one below you plays shorter. Learn your own adjustments in practice rounds, since slope readings are not allowed in a round played under the Rules.
A measured yardage is a flat distance. Hitting uphill, the ball meets the ground before it finishes its normal flight. It lands short of where it would on flat ground. Hitting downhill, it stays in the air longer and travels farther. Wind, temperature, altitude and firm or soft ground change the effective distance as well.
Many GPS apps and rangefinders show a plays-like or slope-adjusted number. Garmin, for example, marks each distance as playing longer, as expected or shorter. Under the Rules of Golf, though, viewing a slope-adjusted or plays-like distance during a round is not allowed. Plain distance readings are allowed unless a local rule bans devices.
Build your own feel in practice rounds. Note how far shots to raised and sunken greens actually fly compared with the yardage. Higher shots are affected more by wind than low ones. Combine elevation, wind and lie into one number before choosing the club, then commit to it.
Tips by skill level
On hilly holes, note whether you finished short or long and by how much. Those notes become your own elevation guide.
Combine every factor into one plays-like number before you choose a club. Picking a club first and then adding factors leads to second-guessing.
Example
The green sits well above the fairway, 150 yards away. In practice rounds he has learned that this shot plays about a club longer than the yardage. He takes one more club and the ball finishes level with the flag.
Why it matters
Ignoring elevation is a common reason approach shots come up short or fly long. A plays-like number turns the yardage into the right club.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a club from the flat yardage on a hilly hole
- Viewing a slope reading in a round played under the Rules
- Adjusting for elevation but forgetting the wind
- Overcorrecting for small elevation changes
Frequently asked questions
How much extra club for an uphill shot?
It depends on how steep the rise is and how high you hit the ball. A target well above you can play a club or more longer. Learn your own adjustments in practice rounds.
What does plays-like distance mean?
It is how far a shot effectively plays after allowing for elevation, wind and conditions. An uphill target plays longer than the yardage and a downhill one plays shorter.
Does a downhill shot go farther?
Yes. The ball stays in the air longer before it lands below you. That usually means taking less club than the measured yardage.
Sources
Related terms
- Club SelectionClub selection is picking the right club for each shot from real carry distance, lie, wind, elevation, and hazard placement. It is one of the biggest scoring decisions.
- Carry DistanceCarry distance is how far the ball travels through the air before it first lands. It is different from total distance, which includes roll.
- Playing in the WindInto the wind, take more club and swing smoothly to keep the ball lower with normal spin. A headwind costs more distance than an equal tailwind adds. Downwind, expect the ball to fly farther and stop less, and in a crosswind aim off and let the wind bring the ball back.
- Approach ShotAn approach shot is any shot hit toward the green to reach or set up the putting surface. It is usually a par 4's second shot, or a par 5's second or third.
- Course ManagementCourse management is your strategy for where to aim, which club to hit, and how to play each hole. The goal is to limit risk and score well for your skill level.
- Golf Club DistancesThere is no single right distance for each club, since it depends mostly on your swing speed and how solidly you strike the ball. In USGA Best Tees research, the average male golfer hit a 7-iron about 138 yards and the average female golfer about 100 yards. Measure your own carry with each club and plan from those numbers, not from a chart.
Related guides & benchmarks
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