Since golf is a competitive and prideful game, most players try to play from farther tees than they really should. While these players might look good playing from the back tees, the fact is that they are slowing down everyone else on the golf course and hurting their own score as well. The USGA, golf’s governing body, has an initiative called “Tee it Forward” that encourages players to play tees based on their drive length rather than age. Even though this initiative might have been rolled out 2 years ago, the amount of players continuing to use the longest tee boxes is astonishing. Chances are next time you go to the golf course you will notice the same thing.
The best way for a player to choose the right tee box is to look at their average distance they hit their driver. The major point of the “Tee it Forward” program is to have players hitting reasonable length shots to the greens rather than ones close to 200 yards away every time. You should tee up where your average drive gives you an approach shot of less than 170 yards. This strategy might seem childish, but you will notice your scores drop and you will enjoy your time more. A general rule of thumb to determine which tee box is right for you is if you hit your driver under 200 yards, play from the closest tee. If you hit from 200-225 the next farthest tee, and so on. When you are hitting 275+ accurately you should be playing the farthest tees back.
While this advice will definitely help on par 4 and 5s, the real improvement will come on par 3s. Golfers who play the back tee box when they really shouldn’t encounter major trouble when they get to a par 3 that is well over 200 yards. These holes are meant to challenge the low handicap players who drive the ball 275+ yards and are able to reach the green easily with a low iron or hybrid. Not only will you feel weird having to pull out a driver on a par 3, the accuracy and trajectory of the driver is not meant to stop a ball on a small green. Rather, by using the “Tee it Forward” program, these par 3s will become easier because you will be hitting with a more lofted club.
| Average Driver Distance | Recommended Course Yardage Tees |
| 300 Yards | 7,150 – 7,400 yards |
| 275 Yards | 6,700 – 6,900 yards |
| 250 Yards | 6,200 – 6,400 yards |
| 225 Yards | 5,800 – 6,000 yards |
| 200 Yards | 5,200 – 5,400 yards |
| 175 Yards | 4,400 – 4,600 yards |
| 150 Yards | 3,500 – 3,700 yards |
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8 Responses
This advice is not for accurate players who hit and drive the ball 240-260.
If you hit 240 – 260 yard drives you have no business playing the back tees. Play the whites.
Great article.
After years of hitting it from the tips, as a now “young” Senior golfer, there are roughly 6 holes on my home course that I can no longer consistently get home in regulation. Although I’m in “morning” a bit for my “demotion”, it is time to move up to the “regular” tees.
I am a 24 handicap. I average 179yds with my driver. Before this season I played from the white tees and never broke 90. I was usually between 95-100. This year I moved up to the gold tees and my scores are on the way down. Early this year mid to low 90s. Lately breaking 90 regularly. It’s a helluva lot more fun shooting for pars and occasional birdies than it is bogies and doubles with occasional pars. One has to swallow your pride a little but the game is meant to be fun.
I’m a 11 handicap,and to this day play tips when ever I can. After reading this article on using my drive distance to judge,which averages around 250,I’ll be moving up a tee.
Par 3 are my hardest holes from the tips,and reading this now makes huge sense why.
I assure myself moving up will drop my handicap down to single digits, don’t want to be that golfer that holds anyone up,thow I golf pretty fast.
Good article thank you
How should golfers be assigned a tee box when playing in a tournament for money? Should all golfers be assigned to the same tee? Should 80-year-olds with high handicaps be on the same tee as 60-year-olds with low handicaps?
It’s really an ego thing for so many golfers. They just can’t move up. But after four hip replacements and five shoulder surgeries I can only drive it 180 yards at best. So I moved up to the front tees. It’s great!!! I can get home in regulation if I hit it straight. I don’t lose as many balls and the game is faster. It’s a win for everyone. Thanks , Tee It Forward !
I think if you can get on the green in 3 shots from white tees, play the white tees.
I’m a senior, and often get on the green before the younger longer hitters.
I don’t slow anyone down. on par 4’s less than 400 yards, I can get on in 2 ( sometimes).
The Red tees aren’t for me yet.