Walking up to the first tee box and seeing a splash of different colors can be a little confusing if you're new to the game. Those colored blocks aren't just for decoration, they tell you where to tee off from, and picking the right one is one of the most important decisions you'll make for enjoying your round. This guide will walk you through exactly what each color means, how to interpret the course scorecard, and, most importantly, how to confidently choose the right set of tees for your game.
In golf, every hole has a designated starting point called the teeing area or tee box. The colored markers on the tee box define the specific teeing ground for that hole. You must tee your ball up somewhere between those two markers, and you can go up to two club-lengths behind them.
Think of them as the starting line. The reason for the different colors is simple: they create different starting lines to make the hole shorter or longer. This allows players of all different skill levels and abilities to play the same course and still have a fair and enjoyable challenge. Playing from the back tees makes the course a monster, while playing from the forward tees makes it much more manageable.
While golf courses have the freedom to use whatever color scheme they'd like, a standard system has emerged over the years. Here’s a breakdown of the most common colors you'll encounter, moving from the shortest set of tees to the longest.
Traditionally, the red tees were called the "ladies' tees," but that term is thankfully becoming outdated. A better name is the "forward tees," because that's exactly what they are. Located closest to the hole, they make the course play its shortest possible length.
Moving a little further back, you'll often find a set of gold or yellow tees. These are not on every course, but when they are, they serve as a bridge between the forward and standard tees.
The white tees are the bread and butter of most golf courses. This is the set of tees from which the majority of golfers will play their rounds.
Step behind the white tees and you'll usually find the blue markers. This is where the golf course starts to get serious. Things are getting longer and the angles often become more difficult.
Finally, all the way at the back of the tee box, lurk the black tees (sometimes gold or another color, reserved for the very tips). These stretch the course to its absolute maximum length.
Color is just a general guide. To make the best choice, you need to be honest about your own game. Choosing the right tee box is the single best thing you can do to ensure you have a fun round and maintain a good pace of play. Here’s a simple process to help you decide.
The number one factor is how far you hit your driver. This dictates what kind of club you'll be hitting into the greens. If you're constantly hitting long irons and hybrids into par-4s, you’re playing from too far back.
This is a fantastic guideline used by many golf instructors. It’s based on how far you hit your 5-iron.
Take your average, comfortable 5-iron distance and multiply it by 36. The result is the ideal total course yardage for you. Find the set of tees on the scorecard that most closely matches that number.
Always grab a scorecard. The scorecard tells you the real story. Next to each colored tee, you'll see two important numbers: the Course Rating and the Slope Rating.
A 6,300-yard course with a slope of 135 is far more difficult than a 6,300-yard course with a slope of 115. A high slope might mean more forced carries, thicker rough, or more hazards in play. Pay attention to both yardage and slope to get a true picture of the challenge.
The goal of golf is to have fun. There's zero shame in moving up to a shorter set of tees. In fact, it often leads to a better experience. You’ll have shorter, more manageable shots into the greens, you’ll probably score better, and you’ll speed up the pace of play for everyone behind you.
Don't let ego dictate your choice. Be honest about your skill level on any given day. Even if you usually play the white tees, if you haven’t played in a while or are just looking for a more relaxed round, don't hesitate to play from the golds or reds. You might find you enjoy yourself more!
Choosing the right tee markers is simply about setting yourself up for success and enjoyment. By matching the course length to your own ability - whether by using your driver distance or the Rule of 36 - you give yourself a better chance to play well and have a fantastic time on the course. Forget about what tees your friends play from, make the smart choice for your game, and you'll be glad you did.
Once you’ve chosen the right tees, the next step is building a smart strategy for each hole. With Caddie AI, we help you break down any shot from any tee box by analyzing the situation and giving you a simple plan to follow. By taking the guesswork out of club selection and on-course strategy, we give you the confidence to commit to every swing and play a smarter, more enjoyable round of golf.
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