What is Effective Playing Length?

I don’t quite understand what effective playing length is but I would really like to know. Please help me with this. Thank you Golf Virgin. - Tommy in Virginia Beach, VA

Effective playing length can lead to much confusion, especially for virgins due to the fact some may think this might possibly correspond to the length of their golf shaft.

The USGA determines the values representing effective playing length by making adjustments to the measured yardage, instead of just by going out and reviewing the overall yardage of a course and each hole. This means that the yardage is then adjusted for the terrain of the entire course. Going uphill adds yards while going downhill subtracts yards.

So for example the slope of a fairway and the positioning of bunkers combined with forced carries and forced layups and don’t forget the positioning of trees are all taken into consideration when determining effective playing length.

Also, effective playing length is one of the determining factors in the evaluation of golf courses for Course Rating and Slope Rating.

No worries Tommy, everything is under control. The USGA has you covered and you have nothing to fear. Effective playing length is something that truly helps you play your best and puts you on par with everyone else. Happy Strokes!!

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Posted by The Golf Virgin | Filed Under Golf Questions 

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