who cares about yardages?!

[sean_miller]

haha, I like that. But what happens when he screws up and then needs the 7i. Golf is all the missed shots right?

He knocks down a 6 or steps on an 8.

[Zeph]

Still, why make it harder than necessary? Having the ability to hit three clubs the same distance is no doubt valuable, but I wouldn't leave out a club.

[Dr. Strangeclub]

haha, I like that. But what happens when he screws up and then needs the 7i. Golf is all the missed shots right?

Hmmmm...Hogan screws up...I'm trying, but I don't seem to understand what you're trying to say.

[Dr. Strangeclub]

When the next stroke is to the green, I walk up to the ball and start visualizing the shot -- the shape and trajectory, etc. I note the pin and what are the shortside dangers or collection areas, does the green have a false front, do contours demand something different, are the bunkers a serious challenge, etc. Then the most important information at this point is to know the exact yardage to the landing area I want (not the pin,) but then comes wind factors, elevation changes, and a host of sensory input, including how I feel I can hit a shot at that moment. Then a clear picture of the realistic shot shape and trajectory firms up (I may have changed my mind, but now I'm committed.) It is only then that the club selection process become important -- what club gives me the best chance of hitting the shot I want. So, yes, exact yardage is super important but it does not dictate the club selection -- it helps define the club needed for the shot that is envisioned.

Wow, is that well-expressed! Right on the money!

[nuck81]

I generally take a look at the nearest yardage marker. If I'm about 130 yards out, I know I need to use an 8 iron. So I take out my seven and still leave it ten yards short :)

[The Recreational Golfer]

If you know, really know, how far you hit each club, and you know the distance to the pin, the shot into the green is a snap. I only judge distances by eye if I'm on a course I know very well, or I've been playing a lot. Even, then, I'll check the sprinkler head. I want all the information I can get.

[Shorty]

Starting to notice that I hit more greens if I don't try to get the exact yardage and instead I just try to imagine what club will give me the trajectory to the green. Anyone else find that they are more accurate without a number?

This might be the case on a course you know really well. Anywhere else and you are just guessing. Especially on flat holes. Since I started using a GPS, I have been amazed several times at what looks like, say, 150 metres is actually 180. The only way you could be more accurate without a number is if you hit your irons inconsistent distances, so a precise number is no good to you anyway.