Stepping onto a golf course for a round is an experience filled with anticipation. The manicured greens, the challenging hazards, and the promise of a satisfying swing all contribute to the allure of the game. But before you even address your first shot, a crucial decision awaits: which set of tees should you play from? Every golf course presents golfers with a choice, often denoted by colored markers – red, white, blue, black, and sometimes even more – each representing a different yardage and, consequently, a different level of challenge. Navigating this choice can be daunting, but understanding the principles behind tee selection is key to maximizing your enjoyment and improving your game. This article, Here’s How to Decide Which Tees (Yardages) To Play From at Golf Course, will guide you through the process.
Most golf courses offer at least three distinct sets of tees. Traditionally, these are known as the forward tees (often red), the middle tees (typically white), and the back or championship tees (usually blue or black). However, modern course design increasingly incorporates a wider range of options, with some courses boasting five, six, or even seven different tee boxes. This abundance of choice, while beneficial in accommodating a broader spectrum of skill levels, can also lead to confusion.
The fundamental difference between these tee boxes lies in the yardage they offer. The tees positioned furthest back on the teeing ground represent the longest possible course length, while those situated at the front provide the shortest. This difference in yardage has a direct impact on the difficulty of the course. Longer courses demand greater distance and accuracy from tee to green, while shorter courses place a greater emphasis on precision and course management.
The scorecard is your primary source of information for determining the yardage associated with each set of tees. Each line on the scorecard corresponds to a specific set of tees, clearly labeled with its color designation (e.g., "Blue," "White," "Red"). By examining the scorecard, you can easily identify the total yardage of the course from each tee box, as well as the individual yardages of each hole.
Choosing the right set of tees is not about ego; it’s about playing a course that is appropriate for your skill level. Over time, experience will guide your decision-making. However, if you find yourself consistently struggling – unable to reach par-3 greens in one shot or failing to reach par-4 greens in two – it’s a clear indication that you should move up to a shorter set of tees. This adjustment will not only improve your scoring potential but also enhance your overall enjoyment of the game.
The Pitfalls of Playing From Tees That Are Too Long
A common mistake among amateur golfers, particularly men, is selecting tees that are too challenging for their abilities. Driven by a desire to emulate the pros or impress their playing partners, they often opt for the championship tees, only to find themselves battling their way through the round, plagued by errant shots and frustrating scores. This approach is counterproductive, as it detracts from the pleasure of the game and can even hinder skill development.
There is absolutely no shame in playing from the forward tees if that’s what suits your game. In fact, choosing the appropriate tees is a sign of a smart and strategic golfer. By playing from a distance that aligns with your abilities, you’ll have more opportunities to hit greens in regulation, make pars and birdies, and ultimately, improve your score.
Furthermore, golfers who play from tees that are too long often contribute to a slower pace of play. Spending excessive time searching for wayward shots, struggling to reach greens, and racking up high scores can disrupt the flow of the game for everyone on the course. By selecting the right tees, you can help ensure a more enjoyable and efficient experience for yourself and your fellow golfers.
Simplifying the Choice: Three Tee Boxes
When faced with a golf course that offers only three sets of tees, the decision-making process becomes relatively straightforward. The general guidelines are as follows:
- Beginners and High-Handicap Golfers: Should typically play from the forward tees. These tees offer the shortest yardage, making the course more manageable and allowing beginners to develop their skills without being overwhelmed by distance.
- Mid-Handicap Golfers: The middle tees are generally suitable for mid-handicap players. These tees provide a balanced challenge, requiring a combination of distance and accuracy.
- Low-Handicap Golfers: Should consider playing from the back or championship tees. These tees offer the longest yardage and the most challenging course setup, designed to test the skills of experienced and accomplished golfers.
Navigating Multiple Tee Boxes: A Yardage-Based Approach
Courses with more than three sets of tees require a more nuanced approach to tee selection. One helpful method is to consider the yardages played by professional golfers on the PGA, LPGA, and Champions Tours.
- PGA Tour: The average course length on the PGA Tour is approximately 7,200 to 7,300 yards.
- LPGA Tour: On the LPGA Tour, the average course length ranges from 6,200 to 6,600 yards.
- Champions Tour: The Champions Tour, for golfers over 50, typically features courses ranging from 6,500 to 6,800 yards.
These figures can serve as benchmarks for amateur golfers. Low-handicap male golfers may choose to play from tees that mimic the yardages on the PGA Tour. Low-handicap women and senior golfers might opt for tees that are 250 to 500 yards shorter than the averages on the LPGA and Champions Tours, respectively. Mid-handicap golfers could select tees that are 500 to 1,000 yards shorter than the pro tour averages for their gender and age. High-handicap players should consider tees that are 1,000 to 1,500 yards shorter than the professional lengths.
Beginners should always start from the forward tees unless they possess a demonstrated ability to hit the ball a reasonable distance with some degree of accuracy. After playing a few rounds from the forward tees, you’ll have a better sense of whether you should move back to a longer set of tees.
Regardless of your handicap, remember the fundamental rule of thumb: if you consistently struggle to reach par-3 greens in one shot or par-4 greens in two, it’s time to move up to a shorter set of tees. This adjustment will make the course more playable and allow you to focus on improving your overall game. Here’s How to Decide Which Tees (Yardages) To Play From at Golf Course is not a rigid rule, but a flexible guide.
The 5-Iron Distance Method
Another practical guideline for choosing the appropriate tee distance involves your average 5-iron distance. To use this method, honestly assess how far you typically hit your 5-iron. Then, multiply that distance by 36. The resulting number will give you an approximate yardage for the course you should be playing.
For example, if you hit your 5-iron 150 yards, multiplying that by 36 yields 5,400 yards. In this case, you should look for tees that are closest to 5,400 yards in length. If your average 5-iron distance is 180 yards, then you should seek out tees around 6,500 yards (180 x 36 = 6,480).
PGA of America/USGA Recommendations
In 2011, the PGA of America and the USGA jointly issued recommendations designed to encourage golfers to play from tees that are appropriate for their abilities. These guidelines are based on a golfer’s average driving distance. The following table summarizes these recommendations:
| Avg. Drive (Yards) | Recommended Tees (Yards) |
|---|---|
| 300 | 7,150-7,400 |
| 275 | 6,700-6,900 |
| 250 | 6,200-6,400 |
| 225 | 5,800-6,000 |
| 200 | 5,200-5,400 |
| 175 | 4,400-4,600 |
| 150 | 3,500-3,700 |
| 125 | 2,800-3,000 |
| 100 | 2,100-2,300 |
By honestly assessing your average driving distance and consulting this table, you can gain a valuable insight into the appropriate tee selection for your game. Remember, Here’s How to Decide Which Tees (Yardages) To Play From at Golf Course is about making golf more enjoyable.
In conclusion, selecting the right set of tees is a crucial aspect of the golfing experience. By considering your skill level, average distances, and the guidelines outlined in this article, you can make informed decisions that will enhance your enjoyment, improve your scores, and contribute to a more positive experience for everyone on the course. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different tee boxes to find the perfect fit for your game. After all, the ultimate goal is to have fun and enjoy the challenge of this wonderful sport.
