What Tees Should I Play? A Caddie's Guide to Choosing the Right Tee Box
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.
From the Brian Saltus - The Caddy Collective"
I've never had a golfer apologize after shooting their best score because they played the white tees."
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.
You've made the smartest decision of the day by choosing the right tees. Now make the second smartest—download a CaddyTips Playing Guide and let a local caddie help you navigate the course one shot at a time.
Or jump right to our latest CaddyTips®:
Whistling Straights
Frequently Asked Questions
What tees should beginners play?
Beginners should play the forward tees that match their average driving distance, not their age or ego. Playing the right tee box helps you reach greens in regulation, use every club in your bag, and enjoy the game more. If you're unsure, ask the golf shop or your caddie which tees they recommend for your game.
Should I choose tees based on my handicap?
Not necessarily. Driving distance is a better guide than handicap. A golfer with a low handicap but short driving distance may still benefit from playing shorter tees, while a longer hitter with a higher handicap may be comfortable farther back. The goal is to play a course length that lets you hit a variety of clubs into greens rather than forcing long irons or hybrids into every approach.
What is the USGA Tee It Forward program?
Tee It Forward is a USGA and PGA of America initiative that encourages golfers to choose tee boxes based on how far they hit the ball, rather than tradition or pride. The program is designed to make golf more enjoyable, improve pace of play, and give golfers more opportunities to score well by playing a course length that matches their ability.
Can I move up a tee during a round?
Yes. If your group agrees and the golf course allows it, you can move to a different set of tees between holes. There's no rule requiring you to play the same tees all day during a casual round. The goal is to have fun and play from a distance that fits your game.