Golf ScoutPlays-like distance calculator
How far a shot really plays once you allow for the slope, the wind, the temperature and the altitude. Enter what you know and leave the rest blank.
How each factor changes the distance
These are the rules of thumb most rangefinders use, measured against a still, 21 °C day at sea level.
- Slope. Add the height difference to the distance when the target is above you, and take off about 90% of it when it's below. A green 10 yards up plays about 10 yards longer.
- Headwind. Add 1% of the distance for every mile per hour of wind in your face. A 150-yard shot into a 10 mph wind plays like 165 yards.
- Tailwind. Take off half as much: 0.5% for every mile per hour behind you. Wind hurts more than it helps.
- Crosswind. Wind straight across barely changes the distance. It moves the ball sideways instead, so aim off.
- Temperature. Cold air is denser, so the ball flies shorter: add about 0.2% for every degree below 21 °C, and take it off above. On a 5 °C morning, a 150-yard shot plays about 155.
- Altitude. Thin air at height makes the ball go further: take off about 1.1% for every 1,000 feet above sea level.
Can I use plays-like distances in a competition?
No. Under the Rules of Golf you can use a device to measure distance in most competitions, but not to measure slope or wind or to suggest a club. Golf Scout's tournament mode hides plays-like distances and club suggestions for that reason, and keeps the plain GPS yardages.
This calculator gives one number for one shot. Golf Scout works it out for every shot on the course, from where you're standing. Get it on the App Store.