Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or seasoned player, playing from the correct tees will help you get the most out of every round.

So, how do you decide?

Let’s break it down!

Understanding Tee Boxes

Tee boxes are designed to cater to different skill levels, ensuring a fair challenge for golfers of all abilities.

The general rule of thumb is that the further back you play, the longer and more difficult the course becomes.

However, choosing the right tees is more about your ability and comfort level than your age or gender.

Most courses offer three to five tee options, and while the colors may vary by course, here’s a common breakdown:

• Championship/Back Tees (Black/Gold): For scratch golfers or low handicappers. These tees stretch the course to its maximum length.
• Men’s/Middle Tees (Blue/White): Ideal for mid-handicap golfers who have a solid game but aren’t quite ready for championship-level play.
• Forward Tees (Red/Yellow): Often referred to as the women’s tees but suitable for beginners, high handicappers, or anyone who prefers a shorter course.

How to Choose the Right Tees

1. Skill Level

Your ability is the most important factor in deciding which tees to play from.

If you struggle to reach greens in regulation or find yourself frequently in trouble, consider moving up to easier tees.

Don’t worry about ego—playing from the right tees will improve your experience.

2. Driver Distance

A simple rule for choosing tees is to match them with your average driving distance. For example:

• < 200 yards: Play from the forward tees.
• 200–225 yards: The middle tees may be a good fit.
• 225+ yards: You’re ready for the back tees.

3. Course Slope and Rating

Each tee box has a slope and course rating, which reflect its difficulty.

If the slope rating is too high for your ability, it may be best to move up a tee.

What are the Benefits of Playing from the Right Tees

• Enjoyment: You’ll have more fun playing from tees that suit your skill level, instead of battling through longer holes.
• Pace of Play: Playing from the correct tees often means quicker rounds, since you won’t be hitting extra shots just to reach the green.
• Scoring: Lower scores naturally come from playing a course that’s appropriately challenging for your game.

Don’t Be Afraid to Move Forward

Many golfers feel compelled to play from longer tees out of pride, but moving forward can enhance your enjoyment of the game.

After all, golf is about having fun, improving, and playing your best—no matter where you tee off from.

Conclusion

Coosing the right tees isn’t about being “good enough” for a certain set of tees, but rather about creating an enjoyable, fair challenge for yourself. Consider your skill level, driver distance, and course difficulty when deciding. The game of golf is meant to be fun—let the right tees help you achieve that!