Every golf course we play at will have multiple sets of tees as designated by coloured markers on the tee box at the start of each hole. The majority of courses have at least three sets of tees, the forward, middle and back (championship). Others can have up to seven sets of tees. The different tees correspond to different yardages which will be noted on the corresponding lines on the scorecard.
Most of us automatically proceed to the forward tees, however at some courses these may be the junior tees or we may be at a course that is shorter than we usually play on. Because of this it is important to understand how we can pick the right tees to ensure we have an enjoyable round. We all need to play at the tees that are appropriate your game.
When there are three sets of tees the choice is easy, the back tees are for low handicap men, the middle tees are for middle to high handicap men and long hitting women and the forward tees are for middle to high handicap women, seniors and beginner golfers.
When there are more choices it gets a little more complicated and we have to rely on the yardages if we are seasoned golfers and know what our average drive is. The following average drive distances will assist us in choosing the correct set of tees to play from to have an enjoyable game of golf.
| Avg. drive | Recommended Tees |
| 300 yards | 7,150-7,400 yards |
| 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 |
| 125 yards | 2,800-3,000 yards |
| 100 yards | 2,100-2,300 yards |
Beginners will always tee off from the forward tees. After a round or two from the forward tees, you’ll have a pretty good idea (based on your score and your frustration level!) if you should move back to a tougher set of tees.
And always remember if you are unable to reach the par-3 holes in one shot (we’re talking distance, not actually getting your ball on the green), or unable to reach the par-4 holes in two shots from the set of tees you are playing, it’s a good sign that you need to move up to a shorter set of tees. For us women , sometimes the Par 3’s are not reachable in one even when we use a driver and many of us will need at least three hits to get on a Par 4 green.