Are We Playing Golf From The Correct Tee Boxes

Are We Playing Golf from the Correct Tee Boxes?

Well, the answer is no. The end.

But let’s dig deeper because this is a topic that baffles me daily. I’d wager that 80% of golfers, especially men (sorry, guys—it’s true), are teeing off from the wrong boxes. Working at a prestigious and notoriously challenging golf course, I see this phenomenon all the time. Most players only experience the course once and often play it blind. Yet, instead of maximizing their enjoyment, many feel compelled to “get their money’s worth” by playing from tee boxes that are too far back. Essentially, they’re paying a premium for frustration.

A Simple Rule for Tee Selection

I once read a fantastic quote from Michael Hebron:

“Find out how far you carry your 5-iron and multiply that number by 36. This gives you the maximum length of the golf course you should play.”

Let’s break that down. The average carry distance for a 5-iron is between 160 and 170 yards. Using the higher end of that range (170 yards), the ideal course length is around 6,120 yards. At my course, this translates to playing from the forward men’s tees.

And here’s the kicker: playing from the front tees still presents plenty of challenges. The intricate green complexes will still test your skills—but the experience will be less punishing. It’s a win-win for you, your playing partners, and even your spouse when you get home in a better mood.

The Ego Barrier

The real issue here? Male ego. Let’s face it: we’d all like to believe we’re bombing drives 300 yards down the fairway. That mindset makes it almost unthinkable to move up to the front tees. But let’s put this in perspective. Imagine you’re at the gym. When was the last time you loaded 200 kg onto the deadlift bar or maxed out the weight machine? Most of us know our limits. Golf should be no different.
Take the Challenge

I challenge you to do the 5-iron calculation. Remember, it’s about carry distance, not total distance after roll. Give the forward tees a shot and see if your enjoyment increases. You might be surprised by how much more fun golf becomes when you’re not constantly grinding to make par.
Changing the Culture

So, how do we change this long-standing culture? Education is key. Golfers need to understand that playing from the appropriate tees isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s smart strategy. Let’s normalize tee selection based on skill and distance, not pride.

What are your thoughts? Are you ready to make the switch and embrace a more enjoyable round of golf?