"Pace of play" has received a lot of attention in the world of golf for many years. Playing from tee boxes at a course distance appropriate to the golfer's skill level has been recognized as having an important impact on pace of play, as well as on the golfer's enjoyment of the game.

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In 2011, the PGA of America and the USGA introduced the Tee It Forward program, a program designed to encourage golfers to play at course lengths that are aligned to their average driving distances.  "Golfers can speed up play by utilizing tees that provide the greatest playability and enjoyment."  [Click here to see the announcement of the Tee It Forward Initiative]

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At the time of announcing this program, the two organizations published guidelines intended to help golfers choose the tee boxes best suited to their abilities:

 

                                         Average              Most Suitable

                                           Drive                Course Length

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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

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The average length of the golf courses played by the SGA, from the white tees, is about 5,900 yards (longest - 6,100 yards) and, from the red tees, is about 5,200 yards (longest - 5,600 yards).  The above table suggests that all SGA Members, on average, drive at least 200 to 225 yards off the tee.  Hmmmm!

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A better guide that is often referenced:  A golfer should play from the tee boxes that allow him to reach the green in regulation (from the tee on par 3 holes, in two shots on par 4's and in three shots on par 5's).  These are measures of distance, not accuracy!

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