Based on observations of playing this game for more than 50 years, it appears too many golfers elect to play from the wrong set of tees. I know that I certainly enjoy the game more playing from the white (normal color of forward tees for men playing around 6,000 yards) where I at least still have a chance to shoot in the 70s.

Some golf courses like Waterview Golf Club in Rowlett just a few minutes from my home puts out a shorter set of senior tees (green) that might be even shorter, perhaps 5, 700 to 5,800 yards. I’ve played them and been able to get home in two on several of the par 5s and reach the green with my drive on one par 4.

If golfers really want to enjoy the game more, they should move up to the appropriate set of tees that allows them to have a chance reach a majority of the greens in regulation and not just every once in a while and usually then with fairway woods.

Why don’t they?

Well, their egos get in the way or they let their golfing buddies talk them into accepting the challenges from the back tees with words like, “Let’s play the course like the professionals do.” Of course, these golfers find that they hit drives followed by fairway woods or hybrids and pitches to most par 4s when they do this. That’s not the same game that the professionals play at all.

I recall hearing legendary golfer Byron Nelson tell everyone that he even ventured up to the red or forward tees (4,800 to 5,000 yards) when playing with his wife Peggie when he was in his 80s.

Just what tees should the average male golfer, one who shoots in the high 80s, use? I noticed where Frank Thomas, formerly with the United States Golf Association, recommended on his internet website that they use tees in the 6,000 to 6,200 yards range on courses with a course rating of 70 and a slope rating of 125. I agree.

Playing from the appropriate tees for your skill level will certainly help you get around the course faster, too.

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