How to Choose the Correct Tee Box (Most Golfers Play the Wrong Tees)
I've watched it happen hundreds of times.
A group walks onto the first tee, glances at the scorecard for about three seconds, and heads straight to the back tees.
Not because they belong there.
Because their buddies are.
Because they've always played the blue tees.
Because, well... ego.
As a caddy my job is simple: help you play your best golf and have the most enjoyable day possible. And that starts before you've even hit your first shot.
The first decision of the day isn't which club to hit—it's which tees to play.
Check Your Ego at the Clubhouse Door
Golf has changed.
Most courses no longer have just "men's" and "ladies'" tees. Many now offer five, six, or even seven different tee boxes, giving every golfer the opportunity to play a course that fits their game.
The best players in the world play tees that match their ability. You should too.
Playing the right tees means:
- More greens reached in regulation
- More realistic birdie opportunities
- Less frustration
- Faster rounds
- A lot more fun
That's a win for everyone.
Even the USGA Wants You to Move Forward
The USGA and PGA of America launched the "Tee It Forward" initiative for one simple reason: golfers enjoy the game more when they play a course that's appropriate for their driving distance. Playing the proper tees also helps improve pace of play—one of the biggest challenges in golf today.
A Simple Formula
Forget your handicap.
Forget the one drive you hit 285 yards with the wind at your back.
Use your average driving distance.
| Average Driver Distance | Recommended Course Length |
|---|---|
| 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 |
These guidelines come directly from the USGA and PGA's Tee It Forward recommendations.
When in Doubt, Ask
Every golf course is different.
Before you tee off, ask the golf shop staff or your caddie which tees they recommend for your game. We watch golfers of every skill level every day, and we'll usually know exactly where you'll have the most enjoyable round.
Trust me—we're not trying to make the course easier.
We're trying to make it more fun.
And when you play the right tees, you'll hit more clubs, face more interesting decisions, and experience the golf course the way its architect intended.
That's a much better story than telling everyone you played the tips.
Your scorecard doesn't care what color tee you played. Your buddies won't remember either. But you'll remember shooting your best score of the year. Choose the right tees, and let your ego stay in the clubhouse.
And now that you've chosen the right tees, let CaddyTips® show you how to play the course like you've seen it a hundred times.