If you don't play from the right tee box, you are making golf difficult for yourself.
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Until recently, I always chose to play from the middle tee box (of the three options), I think it was the best way for my game. Then I talked to a couple of the GOLF Top 100 about this, and they told me to try playing from the front tee.
Naturally, I was a little skeptical. After all, I hit my drives pretty far, so I'm not someone who needs to shorten the course. Also, there is a certain perception about playing in the top players – whether that is right or wrong.
But I tried and the results were actually amazing, I shot 1-over in a recent round in Canada, then followed that up with a 4-over score in another round.
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Playing from the pros has helped build my confidence, forced me to use a diverse set of clubs for shots, and led me to hit more greens in regulation (an important barometer when it comes to hitting low scores).
Since golf is tough enough, can playing from the previous players help you like it did me? More importantly, is there a way to determine which tee box is best for your skill level?
Golf instructor-to-be Todd Casabella helps answer those questions, and says there are four factors to consider before you head to the first tee box to start your round. Check out his suggestions below.
Are you playing from the right tee box? Here's how to find out
“Many golfers have a goal of one day going to the back tee, known as 'tips,'” Casabella said. “However, playing a golf course too long can be more than just a challenge, it can change the entire strategy of a particular hole, making that hole play differently than the golf designer envisioned – and resulting in a less enjoyable round for the average golfer.”
Casabella provides a good example of this at his club course, Barrington Golf Club, Ohio.
Photo by Todd Casabella
“For example, the number 4 hole at my home course is a par 4 with a small dogleg left – making it a great risk-rewarding short,” added Casabella. “The hole has a fairway to the left of the hard landing area (about 220 yards), but the fairway runs downhill, so you can leave yourself with a 100-yard shot, or less, on the green if you take a risk off the tee.”
However, Casabella warns that any player who fails to take his shot may encounter all kinds of potential danger – such as fairway bunkers, long or long shots on the green.
“If you miss a drive, you're left with a half-iron or more from the fairway bunker to the green,” he adds. “Pull it to the left, and you're going to take the restrictions out of play. Bail out to the right, and you end up a long way from the kombi. You have the option of playing it safe on the fairway just to the right of the bunker, but, again, this will leave you with a long shot. “
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While the example hole at Casabella offers a fun tee shot, it's obviously difficult if you don't play from the right tee box, and puts pressure on you to hit a perfect drive to avoid chipping all the way.
“If you play this course for a long time, you need to hit the driver to the right of the fairway bunkers. [with precision],” he says.
That's why Casabella lists four things to consider when deciding which tee box is right for you.
1. If you have to remove the head cover and use a wood or hybrid almost every time on a par-3, you are playing the tees too long for you.
2. If you only use a wedge on almost every green, you are playing a very short course.
3. If you don't hit the wedge on the green during the round, you are playing the course too long.
4. If you can hit every par-5 hole in two, you are playing the course too short.
Adds Casabella: “Choose the right tees that make the golf course fun to play, and the way the architect designed it.”
So if you're stuck in neutral and can't reach your golf goals, use Casabella's tips above to decide whether or not moving the tee box might help. It may help you regain your confidence and, like me, lead you to the lowest point of your life.
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