Posted by BC on 9th Aug 2025

For golfers, knowing exact yardages can make or break a round.

At St. Charles Golf Club in Southeastern Minnesota, a beautifully designed 18-hole course nestled in rolling hills and valleys, precision is key to mastering its 6,237-yard, par-71 layout. But for my friend Matt, a the owner at St. Charles, the challenge wasn’t just playing the course—it was ensuring every player could trust the yardage markers. That’s where custom yardage stencils came in, transforming how St. Charles delivers accurate distances to its golfers.

The Challenge: Matt’s Quest for Better Yardage Markings

Matt, a longtime friend and golf enthusiast, has always been passionate about improving the player experience at St. Charles Golf Club. The course, designed by Wayne Idso and opened in 1991, is known for its challenging fairways and scenic backdrop. However, Matt noticed a recurring issue: the yardage markers weren’t as clear or durable as they could be. Faded paint, inconsistent markings, and weathering from Minnesota’s seasonal shifts—opening as soon as frost clears and closing with the first snowfall—made it tough for golfers to rely on them. Matt needed a solution that was precise, long-lasting, and tailored to the course’s unique layout. Standard yardage markers weren’t cutting it, and he wanted something that could withstand heavy foot traffic, rain, and snow while maintaining visibility. As he put it, “I want every golfer, from beginners to pros, to know exactly where they stand on the fairway.”

The Solution: Custom Yardage Stencils

Enter custom yardage stencils—a game-changer for St. Charles Golf Club. Unlike generic markers or temporary solutions, custom stencils allowed Matt to create crisp, professional-grade yardage markings that were both functional and visually appealing. Here’s why this approach worked so well:

1. Precision and Consistency: Custom stencils ensured every yardage marker was uniform in size, font, and placement. Whether marking 100, 150, or 200 yards, the stencils provided exact measurements that aligned with the course’s 6,237-yard layout from the longest tees. This precision helped golfers like Matt trust their club selection on every shot.
2. Durability for All Seasons: St. Charles operates from early spring to the first snowfall, facing tough Minnesota weather. The stencils, paired with high-quality, weather-resistant paint, created markers that stayed vibrant and legible through rain, frost, and sun. Matt no longer had to worry about frequent repainting or faded numbers.
3. Tailored to the Course: Every golf course is unique, and St. Charles is no exception with its rolling hills and water hazards. Custom stencils allowed Matt to design markers that fit the course’s aesthetic and specific needs, such as larger fonts for visibility on longer fairways or strategic placement near hazards to aid decision-making.
4. Cost-Effective and Efficient: As a groundskeeper, Matt was mindful of budget constraints. Custom stencils proved to be a one-time investment that saved time and labor compared to hand-painting or replacing worn-out markers. Plus, they allowed the grounds crew to quickly refresh markings during the busy season.

Bringing It to Life at St. Charles Golf Club

Matt worked with Button Chimp to design stencils that reflected St. Charles’ commitment to quality and tradition. The process was straightforward: he provided the exact measurements and design preferences, and the supplier crafted durable, reusable stencils.

The result? Bold, clear yardage markers that enhanced the course’s playability and professional look.One standout moment was on the first fairway, where Matt’s new 150-yard stencil—perfectly aligned with the apple orchard view—caught the eye of players. Golfers noticed the difference immediately, with many commenting on how the clear markers helped them strategize shots more confidently. As Matt shared, “Seeing players nod in approval when they spot the new markers? That’s what makes it worth it.”

Why Yardage Stencils Matter for Every Course

Matt’s experience at St. Charles Golf Club highlights why custom yardage stencils are a must-have for any course serious about player satisfaction. They’re not just about numbers—they’re about giving golfers the confidence to play their best. For a course like St. Charles, where the rolling terrain and water hazards demand precision, well-marked yardages are a game-changer.Beyond functionality, stencils elevate the course’s aesthetic and brand. At St. Charles, the new markers complement the course’s reputation as a welcoming yet challenging destination for golfers of all skill levels. They also align with the club’s tech-forward approach, like offering online tee-time bookings up to seven days in advance, blending tradition with modern convenience.

Tips for Other Courses Considering Custom Stencils

Inspired by Matt’s success? Here are a few tips for courses looking to implement custom yardage stencils:

• Assess Your Needs: Map out where markers are most critical—near hazards, on long fairways, or around greens. Consider your course’s unique layout and player feedback.
• Choose Durable Materials: Opt for high-quality stencils and weather-resistant paint to ensure longevity, especially in harsh climates like Minnesota’s.
• Work with a Reliable Supplier: Partner with a company that can customize stencils to your exact specifications, from font size to design style.
• Test and Tweak: Start with a few holes to perfect placement and visibility before rolling out across the course.

A Hole-in-One for St. Charles

Thanks to Matt’s vision and the power of custom yardage stencils, St. Charles Golf Club now boasts some of the clearest, most reliable markers in Southeastern Minnesota. Golfers can focus on their game, knowing the yardages are spot-on, while the grounds crew saves time and resources. As Matt proudly says, “It’s a small change that makes a big difference—on the scorecard and in the experience.”Ready to elevate your game at St. Charles?

Visit www.stcharlesgolfclub.com to book a tee time and experience the course’s precision firsthand. And if you’re a course manager or groundskeeper like Matt, consider custom yardage stencils—your players will thank you.

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