What to put in a golf yardage book cover depends on how serious your round is, but the basic setup is simple: yardage book, scorecard, pencil, pin sheet, course notes, and maybe one flat ball marker.
A golf yardage book cover is not just a leather accessory for tournament players. Used correctly, it becomes a compact round-management tool. It keeps the items you actually check during play in one place instead of forcing you to dig through your golf bag, cart basket, or back pocket.
This guide explains the essentials to keep inside your yardage book cover, how pros use them, how to organize the left and right sides, what to avoid carrying, and how to build a clean setup for casual rounds, tournaments, junior golf, walking rounds, and new courses.
If you need to buy the cover itself, start with our golf yardage book cover guide. If you want a gift version with initials, engraving, or a club logo, read our custom golf yardage book cover guide. This page is focused only on how to use and organize the cover once you have one.
Quick Verdict
The best golf yardage book cover setup is simple: put the scorecard on the writing side, the yardage book or course notes on the reference side, the pencil in the loop, and only carry flat items that will not stretch, bulge, or fall out.
For most golfers, the essentials are a scorecard, pencil, yardage book, pin sheet, and a few handwritten course notes. For tournament players, add a legal green-reading book or approved course book only if your event allows it. For casual golfers, a small note card with target lines, layup distances, and personal club notes may be more useful than a complicated pro-style book.
The smartest rule is this: your yardage book cover should help you make faster decisions, not become another cluttered pocket full of things you never use.
Golf Yardage Book Cover Setup Checklist
| Item | Should You Carry It? | Best Placement | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scorecard | Yes | Writing side or elastic strap | Keeps scoring clean and protected |
| Pencil | Yes | Pencil loop | Prevents searching pockets mid-round |
| Yardage book | Yes, if available | Reference side | Shows hole layout, hazards, and target lines |
| Pin sheet | Yes for tournaments | Behind scorecard or tucked under strap | Helps locate daily pin positions |
| Green-reading book | Only if allowed | Reference side | Helps read slopes and green zones |
| Personal notes | Yes | Small note card or inside pocket | Stores club choices, misses, and strategy |
| Flat ball marker | Optional | Small inside pocket only | Useful backup without adding bulk |
| Cash or receipt | No for most rounds | Golf bag wallet instead | Adds clutter and can fall out |
| Tees | No | Keep in tee holder or pocket | Can stretch or scratch the cover |
Why Use a Yardage Book Cover?
A yardage book cover gives you one place for the things you actually use during a round: scorecard, yardages, notes, pin sheet, pencil, and small flat reference items. That is the real benefit. It is not only about looking like a tour player.
Pros and caddies use yardage books because they want more than a single number from a rangefinder. They want target lines, carry distances, hazard positions, green shapes, pin locations, and strategy notes. Amateur golfers can use the same idea in a simpler way: keep your scoring and course decisions organized enough to avoid guessing.
A good cover also protects paper from sweat, rain, pocket wear, sunscreen, cart dust, and repeated folding. That matters most when you walk, play tournaments, or keep a real scorecard.
Essential Things to Put in Your Golf Yardage Book Cover
You do not need to fill every pocket. Start with the core items that help you play faster and think better.
1. Scorecard
Best for: Every round where you are keeping an official or serious score.
The scorecard is usually the first item to place inside the cover. Most scorecard and yardage book covers have a strap, pocket, or writing panel that keeps the scorecard flat and protected.
Put the scorecard where you can write on it without removing it completely. If the cover opens like a wallet, many golfers prefer the scorecard on the side that feels natural for their writing hand.
For tournament rounds, keep the scorecard clean and easy to read. Do not bury it under extra notes, receipts, or unrelated paper. You should be able to open the cover, write the score, and close it quickly.
Pros
- Keeps official scoring cleaner and more organized.
- Protects the card from sweat, rain, and folding.
- Gives you a firmer writing surface.
- Makes scoring easier during walking rounds.
- Helps prevent losing the scorecard mid-round.
Cons
- Some large scorecards may not fit smaller covers.
- Overstuffed covers can make writing awkward.
- Wrong placement can make the cover feel backwards in your hand.
Buy it if: You need a better scorecard and yardage book setup for serious rounds.
Avoid it if: You never keep score or only track rounds digitally.
2. Pencil
Best for: Scorekeeping, notes, pin sheets, and tournament rounds.
A pencil seems small, but it is one of the most important items in the cover. If your holder has a pencil loop, use it. A loose pencil can fall out, damage the leather, or disappear into your bag.
Short golf pencils work best because they do not stick out as much. A mechanical pencil can work, but make sure it is not too thick for the loop and does not create a sharp pressure point inside the cover.
Keep the pencil on the same side every round. The goal is to make scoring automatic so you are not searching for a writing tool while the group is moving to the next tee.
Pros
- Essential for scorecards and notes.
- Fits cleanly in most pencil loops.
- Prevents digging through pockets or the cart basket.
- Useful for pin sheets and course strategy notes.
- Lightweight and does not add bulk.
Cons
- Can fall out if the loop is loose.
- Long pencils can poke or bend the cover.
- Mechanical pencils may be too thick for some loops.
Buy it if: Your current cover has no pencil or you want backup golf pencils for events.
Avoid it if: You only use a digital scorecard and never write notes.
3. Yardage Book
Best for: New courses, tournament rounds, walking golfers, and players who like course strategy.
The yardage book is the main reference item. It can show hole layout, bunker locations, water hazards, carry distances, landing areas, green shapes, and approach angles. Some course books are basic. Others are detailed enough for tournament preparation.
Put the yardage book on the reference side of the cover so you can flip to the hole quickly. If your cover uses elastic straps, slide the back page under the strap so the book does not fall out when you open it.
For casual golfers, a yardage book is most useful on unfamiliar courses. On a home course you know well, a short note card with trouble spots, layup numbers, and favorite target lines may be enough.
Pros
- Helps with target lines and course strategy.
- Useful when playing a course for the first time.
- Gives more context than a single laser number.
- Helps identify hazards and layup zones.
- Supports a more tournament-style routine.
Cons
- Not every course sells a useful yardage book.
- Some books may be too large for smaller covers.
- Can slow you down if you check it too often.
Buy it if: You play new courses, tournaments, or want better course-management notes.
Avoid it if: You only play casual rounds and rely completely on GPS or a rangefinder.
4. Pin Sheet
Best for: Tournaments, club events, and courses that change pin locations often.
A pin sheet shows where the hole location is on each green for that day. It can help you choose a safer target, avoid short-siding yourself, and understand whether the flag is front, middle, back, left, or right.
Place the pin sheet behind the scorecard or under an elastic strap where it can be pulled out quickly. Do not fold it so many times that it becomes hard to read or falls out when you open the cover.
For casual rounds, you may not need a formal pin sheet. A simple note like “front left,” “back right,” or “middle shelf” can be enough if you are building your own course notes.
Pros
- Helps with approach-shot planning.
- Useful for tournament rounds and serious play.
- Can prevent aiming at the wrong part of the green.
- Easy to tuck behind a scorecard.
- Works well with a yardage book and course notes.
Cons
- Not always available for casual rounds.
- Can clutter the cover if folded poorly.
- Needs to be checked against the current day’s setup.
Buy it if: You play competitive rounds where pin locations matter.
Avoid it if: Your course does not provide pin sheets and you are playing casual golf.
5. Green-Reading Book or Green Notes
Best for: Competitive golfers, serious practice rounds, and courses where green slopes are hard to remember.
A green-reading book can show green contours, slopes, and sections. However, rules can vary by event, and some competitions restrict certain green-reading materials. Always check the tournament rules before carrying one in competition.
If a formal green book is not allowed or not available, use simple green notes instead. For example, write down where putts tend to break, which greens run away from the fairway, and which hole locations are dangerous.
Keep green-reading materials on the reference side with the yardage book. Do not overload the cover with multiple books unless the holder is designed for that thickness.
Pros
- Can help with putting and approach strategy.
- Useful on unfamiliar greens.
- Helps identify safe miss areas.
- Supports better pre-round preparation.
- Can reduce repeated mistakes on the same course.
Cons
- May not be allowed in every competition.
- Can slow play if used too much.
- Can make the cover bulky if combined with other books.
Buy it if: You play competitive golf and your event allows green-reading materials.
Avoid it if: Your event restricts green-reading books or you prefer a faster, feel-based putting routine.
6. Personal Course Notes
Best for: Home-course strategy, tournament prep, and players who want a simple alternative to a full yardage book.
Personal notes are often more useful than a complicated book. You can write down where not to miss, which clubs work off certain tees, which bunkers are in play, and which greens are faster or more sloped than they look.
Keep these notes short. A small index card or folded note sheet is enough. The goal is to remind yourself of decisions before you make the same mistake again.
Good notes include target lines, layup numbers, carry distances, preferred misses, wind tendencies, and personal reminders such as “do not attack back-left pin” or “driver brings right bunker into play.”
Pros
- Easy to customize for your own game.
- More useful than generic course info on familiar courses.
- Helps prevent repeated strategic mistakes.
- Lightweight and easy to update.
- Works even without a formal yardage book.
Cons
- Can become cluttered if you write too much.
- Needs updating after course changes.
- May not help if notes are too vague.
Buy it if: You want a simple way to organize strategy without buying a full course book.
Avoid it if: You never review notes during a round and prefer instinctive play only.
7. Flat Ball Marker
Best for: Backup marking on the green without adding bulk.
A flat ball marker can fit inside some yardage book covers, but it should be small and thin. Avoid bulky poker-chip markers inside the cover because they can stretch the leather, create pressure marks, or fall out when the cover opens.
If your cover has a tiny inside pocket, one flat marker can be a useful emergency backup. Keep your main marker in your pocket, hat clip, or magnetic holder instead.
This is optional. A yardage book cover should not become a storage wallet for every small accessory in your bag.
Pros
- Useful backup marker for the green.
- Does not add much weight if it is thin.
- Can fit in some small inside pockets.
- Helpful if you forget your main marker.
- Better than carrying thick items in the cover.
Cons
- Not every cover has a secure marker pocket.
- Can fall out if the cover opens upside down.
- Thick markers can damage or stretch the cover.
Buy it if: You want a thin backup marker that does not bulk up the cover.
Avoid it if: You already use a hat clip, magnetic marker, or poker chip marker.
How Pros Use Yardage Books
Professional golfers and caddies use yardage books to prepare strategy before and during a round. The book is not just a distance chart. It helps them understand where to aim, where to miss, which hazards matter, and how the green complex is shaped.
Before a tournament, players may study hole layouts, fairway widths, carry numbers, layup zones, bunkers, green slopes, and approach angles. During the round, they usually check only the most important information so they do not slow down their routine.
Amateurs do not need a tour-level system. A practical version is enough: know your target, know the trouble, know the safe miss, and know where the pin is before choosing the club.
The Best Left-Side / Right-Side Setup
Most golfers should organize the cover based on writing hand and reference habit. The goal is to open it once and see the two things you need most: scorecard and course information.
| Cover Side | Best Item | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Writing side | Scorecard | Makes score entry quick and clean |
| Reference side | Yardage book or course notes | Keeps hole strategy visible |
| Pencil loop | Golf pencil | Prevents searching for a pencil |
| Behind scorecard | Pin sheet | Easy to pull out when needed |
| Small pocket | Thin backup marker or note card | Adds utility without bulk |
If you are left-handed, test both layouts. The best setup is the one that lets you write scores quickly without turning the cover around every time.
What Not to Put in a Yardage Book Cover
A yardage book cover is not a golf junk drawer. Overloading it makes it bulky, uncomfortable, and more likely to spill items when opened.
- Loose tees: They can scratch leather, poke paper, or fall out.
- Thick poker chip markers: They create bulk and pressure marks.
- Coins: They can stretch pockets and make noise.
- Divot tools: They are too sharp and belong in a pocket or pouch.
- Receipts: They clutter the cover and make scorecards harder to access.
- Multiple old scorecards: Keep only what you need for the current round.
- Wet paper: Remove it after the round so the cover can dry properly.
Best Yardage Book Cover Setup by Round Type
| Round Type | Best Setup | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Casual weekend round | Scorecard, pencil, simple notes | Keeps it light and practical |
| New course | Yardage book, scorecard, pencil, notes | Helps with unfamiliar holes |
| Tournament round | Scorecard, pencil, yardage book, pin sheet | Supports scoring and strategy |
| Junior event | Name-marked cover, scorecard, pencil, simple notes | Organized and easy to identify |
| Walking round | Slim setup with no bulky extras | More comfortable in the back pocket |
| Home course practice | Personal course notes and scorecard | Helps track strategy and mistakes |
| Member-guest | Scorecard, pencil, pin sheet, format notes | Keeps event details in one place |
How to Make Your Own Yardage Book Cover Setup
If you already own a cover, you can build a simple pro-style setup without buying a professional course book.
- Put a fresh scorecard on the writing side.
- Add a short golf pencil to the pencil loop.
- Use a small note card for target lines, layup numbers, and safe misses.
- If available, add the course yardage book on the reference side.
- Tuck the pin sheet behind the scorecard or under an elastic strap.
- Keep only one thin backup marker if the cover has a secure pocket.
- Remove old cards, receipts, and wet notes after the round.
This setup gives you the benefits of a yardage book cover without turning it into a bulky wallet.
Common Mistakes When Using a Yardage Book Cover
Carrying Too Much
The cover should stay slim. If it feels like a stuffed wallet, remove anything that does not help scoring or strategy.
Checking It Too Often
A yardage book cover should speed up decisions, not slow down play. Use it before the shot, then commit.
Using Outdated Notes
Courses change. Tees move, trees are removed, bunkers are renovated, and greens are adjusted. Update notes when they stop matching the course.
Forgetting Event Rules
Some competitions may restrict certain green-reading materials or notes. Check the event rules before carrying detailed green books or printed aids.
Letting Wet Paper Sit Inside
Wet paper can damage leather and make the cover smell. Remove damp scorecards and notes after the round.
Hidden Costs to Consider
A yardage book cover setup can cost more than the cover itself if you add extra tools and course materials.
- Course yardage books: Some pro shops sell them separately.
- Green-reading books: Detailed books can cost more and may not be legal in every event.
- Extra pencils: Cheap but easy to lose.
- Replacement scorecards: Tournament cards may need to stay clean and protected.
- Leather care: Premium covers may need conditioner or moisture protection.
- Wrong-size cover: If your books do not fit, you may need a larger cover.
What to Remove After the Round
After the round, clean out the cover so it stays slim and lasts longer.
- Remove wet scorecards and pin sheets.
- Throw away receipts and old paper.
- Transfer useful course notes to a notebook or app.
- Let the cover air dry before storing it.
- Check that the pencil loop is not stretched.
- Remove sand, dirt, or grass from the cover edges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you put in a golf yardage book cover?
Put a scorecard, pencil, yardage book, pin sheet, and short course notes in a golf yardage book cover. You can also carry one thin backup ball marker if the cover has a secure pocket.
How do pros use yardage books?
Pros use yardage books to study hole layouts, carry distances, hazard positions, target lines, pin locations, green shapes, and safe miss areas. Amateurs can use a simpler version with target notes and scorecard organization.
Do I need a green-reading book inside my cover?
You only need a green-reading book if it helps your game and your event allows it. For many golfers, simple handwritten green notes are enough.
Can I put a ball marker in a yardage book cover?
You can put a thin flat ball marker in a secure pocket, but avoid thick poker-chip markers because they can stretch the cover or fall out.
Should I put tees in my yardage book cover?
No, tees are usually not a good fit for a yardage book cover. They can scratch leather, poke paper, stretch pockets, or fall out. Keep tees in a tee holder, pocket, or bag pouch.
Is a yardage book cover worth it for casual golfers?
It can be worth it if you keep score, walk often, play new courses, or like having notes organized. If you only play casual cart rounds and track everything on a phone, you may not need one.
How do I keep things from falling out of my yardage book cover?
Use elastic straps, pockets, and the pencil loop correctly. Keep items flat, avoid overstuffing, and do not carry loose tees, coins, or thick markers inside the cover.
Where should the scorecard go in a yardage book cover?
The scorecard should go on the writing side, usually under an elastic strap or inside a scorecard pocket. Place it where you can write naturally without removing the card every hole.
Final Recommendation
If you are wondering what to put in a golf yardage book cover, start with the essentials: scorecard, pencil, yardage book, pin sheet, and short course notes. Add only one thin backup marker if your cover has a secure pocket.
Do not overstuff the cover with tees, coins, receipts, thick markers, or old scorecards. The best setup is slim, organized, and useful during the round.
The goal is not to look like a tour player. The goal is to make better decisions faster: know the target, know the trouble, know the pin, write the score, and move to the next shot with confidence.