One of the most common questions golfers ask is:
“What tees should I actually be playing from?”
For many golfers, the choice of tees is sometimes influenced by ego or what other players might think. Some golfers feel slightly embarrassed about moving forward to a shorter set of tees.
But the reality is that playing the right tees can make the game far more enjoyable and can even help you improve.
Why Some Golfers Avoid Forward Tees
One reason golfers don’t move forward is simply perception.
There’s sometimes a belief that playing from forward tees means you’re not a strong player.
In reality, choosing a different set of tees simply changes the challenge of the course.
It can also allow golfers to experience the course in a completely different way.
The Course Can Look Very Different
I recently experienced this myself while playing at Te Puke Golf Club.
Normally I’d play further back, but I decided to try a round from the yellow tees.
What surprised me was how much the course actually changed visually.
Some of the angles into fairways and greens were quite different from what I was used to. From the tee box the holes looked different and the lines I chose off the tee changed as well.
So it didn’t just feel like a shorter golf course — it actually felt like a different way of playing the course.
Different Tees Test Different Clubs
Another thing I noticed was how much the club selection changed.
Instead of hitting full wedges into greens, I was often left with 40, 50 or 60 metre shots.
For better players, those shorter half-wedge shots can actually be more difficult than a full wedge, because they require excellent feel and distance control.
The first couple of rounds I played from the yellow tees weren’t hugely successful, but as I got used to the different angles and distances, it became a really interesting challenge.
Playing Forward Can Improve Your Game
Moving forward a set of tees can actually help golfers in several ways.
It can allow you to:
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experience the course from different angles
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practise more scoring shots
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use different clubs into greens
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improve your wedge distance control
It can also make the game more enjoyable and faster to play, which is something most golfers appreciate.
Choosing the Right Tees
A good rule of thumb is to play from a set of tees that allow you to enjoy the round while still being challenged.
Ideally, you want a course length where you are:
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hitting a variety of clubs into greens
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reaching most par fours in two shots
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having opportunities to score
Golf tends to be much more enjoyable when the course length suits your game.
Improving Your Scoring Shots
Many golfers find that when they move forward a set of tees they end up hitting more short irons and wedges, which are the scoring clubs in the bag.
If you'd like help improving those scoring shots, you can learn more about golf lessons and coaching at Golf 360.
FAQs
What tees should the average golfer play from?
Most golfers should choose tees that allow them to comfortably reach par fours in two shots. This usually means playing slightly forward of where many golfers traditionally tee off.
Do good golfers ever play forward tees?
Yes. Many good players occasionally move forward to change the challenge of the course and work on different scoring shots.
Does playing forward make golf easier?
Not always. It can create different angles and shorter wedge shots that require good touch and distance control.
Happy golfing
Scott Pickett
PGA Professional
Founder - Golf 360
Mount Maunganui
