What Tees Should I Play?
Based on USGA Tee It Forward. Enter your realistic driver distance; get the tee yardage that matches your game.
Your realistic carry + roll on a good drive, not your best drive ever.
Refines the suggestion slightly. Distance matters more.
The math
ideal course length ≈ driver distance × 28
That ratio keeps par-4s and par-5s reachable in regulation. If your driver averages 220 yards, you belong on a 6,160-yard course. 280? 7,840, but those tees rarely exist outside of major championship setups.
FAQ
How do I pick the right tees?
The USGA Tee It Forward guideline is: play tees roughly 28× your average driver carry + roll. So a 230-yard driver should play a ~6,400-yard course. Pick the tee set closest to that total yardage.
What if I'm between distances?
Round down. Shorter tees make par-4s and par-5s reachable in regulation, which is the whole point of tee selection.
Does handicap override distance for tee selection?
Mostly no. Distance is the better signal. But a very high handicap with a long driver might still benefit from middle tees because the short game becomes the score driver.
Why does tee selection matter?
Playing tees too long adds 30 minutes per round on average (USGA pace data) and can add 5-10 strokes for amateurs. It's one of the highest-leverage decisions a golfer makes.