Fore the Golfer
Forward Tees , Please
F orward tees are becoming increasingly popular , providing golfers with quick , fun rounds and potentially lower scores . Here are some important facts every golfer should know about forward tees :
Forward tees can provide a challenge commensurate to your abilities . Forward tees are not intended to make a golf course easy ; rather , they are intended to enhance the golf experience by allowing golfers to adjust the length and difficulty of a golf course so that it is compatible with their abilities . Although a few golfers can hit a golf ball extraordinarily far , most golfers hit the ball much shorter distances than the professionals on TV . Often , golfers with slower swing speeds are unable to reach putting greens in regulation not because they lack skill , but simply because they do not hit the ball very far . Properly positioned forward tees can solve this problem by appropriately matching course length with golfer ability .
Playing from forward tees can be fast and fun . You can play faster and achieve better scores when playing a golf course that is aligned with your abilities . Playing from forward tees can leave you with fewer hybrid or long iron approach shots into greens , improving your accuracy , score and enjoyment while possibly reducing the potential of losing balls .
You can post scores from forward tees to the USGA Handicap System™ . Provided they offer a course that plays at least 3,000 yards for 18 holes , forward tees can be evaluated by your state or regional golf association to receive a Course Rating™ and Slope Rating ®. Once rated , you can post scores from forward tees to receive or maintain a Handicap Index ®. Since the Ratings for forward tees are based on a shorter total yardage , your Handicap Index will remain transferrable from one set of tees to another and from course to course .
Creating forward tees is easier than you think . Whether new tees are constructed or tee markers simply are placed in a level area of a fairway , creating forward tees at your course does not need to be expensive or time-consuming . Often , forward tees can be established in fairways without requiring additional maintenance operations or construction costs . Even with a limited budget , forward tees are not out of reach at your course .
20 | CSGA Links // September , 2017 www . csgalinks . org