Stand on the first tee of most courses and you will see several sets of tee markers, often in different colours, set at different distances from the green. Which ones should you play from? Many golfers choose the tees that feel the most "proper", or the ones their friends use, and spend the round hitting long irons and fairway woods into every green. Playing from the right tees makes golf faster, more enjoyable and, often, lower scoring. It is one of the simplest decisions you can make to improve your game.
What the tee colours mean
There is no universal colour system. Many courses use something like this, but always check the scorecard:
| Typical colour | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Black, blue or gold | Longest tees, for strong and low-handicap golfers |
| White | Middle-back tees, often for men's competitions |
| Yellow or green | Middle tees, for everyday play |
| Red | Forward tees |
| Other forward tees | Some courses have very short tees for beginners, juniors and seniors |
Historically, some tees were labelled as men's, women's or seniors' tees. Many courses now simply label them by colour or by length, and encourage golfers of every gender and age to choose the tees that suit their game.
Match the course to your distance
The most important factor is how far you hit the ball. Courses are designed so that, from the right tees, golfers face a variety of approach clubs. If you are always hitting long clubs into par 4s, you are playing a much harder course than intended.
The driver-distance guide
A popular guide matches total course length to your average driver distance (carry plus a little roll):
| Average driver distance | Suggested course length (18 holes) |
|---|---|
| 275 yards | 6,700 to 6,900 yards |
| 250 yards | 6,200 to 6,400 yards |
| 225 yards | 5,800 to 6,000 yards |
| 200 yards | 5,200 to 5,400 yards |
| 175 yards | 4,400 to 4,600 yards |
| 150 yards | 3,500 to 3,700 yards |
| 125 yards | 2,800 to 3,000 yards |
| 100 yards | 2,100 to 2,300 yards |
Be honest about your average distance, not your best drive. Track your distances with our club distance chart.
The approach-club test
Another simple test: on a typical par 4, after a good drive, what club do you hit into the green? If it is usually a mid-iron or less, you are probably on the right tees. If you are regularly hitting fairway woods or long irons, move forward.
Why playing the right tees helps
- More fun. You hit more greens, make more pars and use more of your clubs.
- Lower scores. Shorter approach shots are easier to control.
- Faster play. Fewer shots and less searching for balls. Read golf etiquette 101.
- Learning. You practise the shots good golfers face, such as short-iron approaches, rather than repeated long recoveries.
Tees and your handicap
Each set of tees has its own course rating and slope rating. Under the World Handicap System, your course handicap is calculated for the tees you play, so it is higher from longer tees and lower from shorter ones. That means your handicap scores from different tees are comparable. In a competition where players use different tees, an adjustment is made for the difference in course rating. Read the World Handicap System explained and try our handicap calculator.
When to move back or forward
- Move forward if you are a beginner, returning from injury, playing with a slower swing speed as you get older, playing in strong wind, cold or wet conditions, or simply want a more relaxed round.
- Move back when you regularly reach par 4s with short irons and want more of a challenge, or for practice before a competition on longer tees.
- Mix tees. Some courses offer combination tees, using different sets on different holes for a total length between two standard sets.
Read golf for seniors and golf for women: getting started.
The teeing area: the rules
- The teeing area is a rectangle two club-lengths deep, with its front edge defined by the line between the outside of the two tee markers.
- Your ball must be within the teeing area when you play your tee shot. You may stand outside it.
- Playing from outside the teeing area:
- In stroke play, you get a two-stroke penalty and must play again from inside the teeing area.
- In match play, there is no penalty, but your opponent may cancel the stroke and make you replay it. Read match play golf.
- You may tee the ball on a tee or play it from the ground.
- A ball that falls off the tee before you make a stroke can be re-teed without penalty.
- Do not move the tee markers before playing your shot.
Read golf rules every golfer should know.
Tips on the tee
- Pick the flattest spot in the teeing area.
- Use the full width. Teeing on one side can open up a better angle to the fairway; for example, tee on the side of the trouble to aim away from it.
- Tee height: with the driver, about half the ball should sit above the top of the club face at address. With irons, tee very low.
- Repair divots and replace broken tees in the box. Read how to hit a driver.
Frequently asked questions
Which tees should a beginner play?
Usually the forward tees, or the shortest set available. They make the game more enjoyable and help you learn faster. Move back as your distance improves. Read golf for beginners: the complete guide.
Are the white tees for men and the red tees for women?
That was a common tradition, but many courses now encourage everyone to choose tees by distance and ability, not gender or age.
Can I play different tees from my playing partners?
In a casual round, yes, and it is often a good idea. In a competition, play the tees set by the committee.
Does playing forward tees affect my handicap?
Your course handicap is adjusted for the tees you play, so your scores are comparable whichever tees you choose.
What is the penalty for teeing up in front of the markers?
In stroke play, two strokes, and you must replay from inside the teeing area. In match play, your opponent may cancel the stroke and make you replay it.
The bottom line
The right tees are the ones that match your game, not your ego. Check the scorecard, compare the course length with your average driving distance, and choose the set that leaves you mid-irons or less into most par 4s. You will play faster, score better and enjoy the game more. For more ways to lower your scores, read how to break 100 and golf course management.