Choosing the Right Tees
Setting Up a Golf Trip for All Skill Levels
One of the most overlooked yet crucial decisions when planning a golf trip with a diverse group of players is selecting the appropriate tees before the first tee shot is ever struck. Whether your group consists of low-handicap players looking for a challenge or high-handicappers hoping to enjoy the round without frustration, tee selection can make or break the experience. Here’s why it matters and how to make the best choice for your group.
Why Tees Matter More Than You Think
1. Pace of Play
Nothing kills the fun of a golf trip faster than a painfully slow round. Playing from tees that are too long for some players forces them to take extra shots, search for balls, and struggle on long par-4s and par-5s. Conversely, playing from tees that are too short for better players can make the course play too easy and take away strategic elements. The right tees keep everyone engaged and keep the round moving at a reasonable pace.
2. Enjoyment for Everyone
A well-balanced course setup ensures that every player has a chance to hit greens in regulation, reach fairways off the tee, and avoid feeling overwhelmed (or underwhelmed). The goal of a golf trip isn’t just to grind out a score—it’s to have fun. Proper tee selection helps make every hole more enjoyable, leading to more memorable rounds.
3. Fair Competition
If your trip involves a competitive element—whether it’s a skins game, a team event, or individual scoring—tee selection can play a major role in keeping the competition fair. Playing from different tees can be necessary based on handicaps, but it should be done in a way that maintains the integrity of the matches. Using an adjusted system, such as applying the USGA’s recommended handicap index adjustments for different tees, helps level the playing field.
4. Course Strategy and Shot Variety
Playing the wrong tees can limit the variety of shots required on a course. Too long, and the course becomes a driver-and-long-iron grind. Too short, and it removes risk-reward decisions on par-5s and short par-4s. Proper tee selection ensures that the course plays as it was designed, offering a mix of challenges and opportunities for all players.
How to Select the Right Tees for Your Group
1. Consider Handicap and Driving Distance
A general rule of thumb:
• Players who drive the ball 275+ yards should play 6,500–7,000 yards.
• Players in the 225–275-yard range should play 6,000–6,500 yards.
• Players who drive the ball less than 225 yards should play 5,000–6,000 yards.
**Handicap can also be a guideline, but distance off the tee is often the better indicator.
2. Use the Course’s Rating and Slope
Instead of simply choosing a color (blue, white, gold, etc.), look at the course’s rating and slope for each set of tees. If a course has a 140+ slope from the tips, it may be too tough for many mid-handicappers. Likewise, if the forward tees are rated very low, skilled players may not find them engaging.
3. Mix It Up
Some courses have a “hybrid” tee option that combines different sets of tees to create a balanced challenge. If that’s not available, you can create your own by mixing and matching based on the scorecard. This allows longer hitters to still be challenged while keeping the course playable for higher handicappers.
4. Decide Before the First Round
The worst thing you can do is wait until you’re standing on the first tee to figure out who is playing from where. Not only does this slow things down, but it can also lead to indecision, second-guessing, and unnecessary debate. Agreeing on tees before the trip starts keeps things organized and avoids any potential conflicts.
Final Thoughts
Picking the right tees isn’t just about making the course “easier” or “harder”—it’s about making it more enjoyable and fair for everyone in your group. By considering handicaps, driving distances, and course setup ahead of time, you set your golf trip up for better pace of play, more competitive matches, and an overall more enjoyable experience for every golfer involved.
So before your next golf getaway, take the time to plan out the tee situation—it’s a simple step that can make a huge difference. This is standard practice through our Vision-to-Swing planning process with Custom Golf Trips.
