Golf’s governing bodies have reacted to the decrease in total golf participation with a new initiative called “Tee It Forward.” This is a great way to accomplish a couple of things. Number one, the game becomes more enjoyable, and thus less frustrating, for all golfers. Number two, it should take less time to play 18 holes of golf because playing distance-appropriate tee boxes will allow players to reach the green in regulation more often, thereby saving time. The basic formula for “Tee It Forward” follows:
Tour players should play a 7,600-plus-yard golf course.
Players hitting their tee shots the following distances should play from tees totaling the following lengths for 18 holes:
300 yds — 7,150–7,400 yds
275 yds — 6,700-6,900 yds
250 yds — 6,200-6,400 yds
225 yds — 5,800-6,000 yds
200 yds — 5,200-5,400 yds
175 yds — 4,400-4,600 yds
125 yds — 2,800–3,000 yds
100 yds — 2,100–2,300 yds
Interestingly enough, I started playing hickory shafted golf clubs a few years ago. Once I realized how much difference the wooden shafts made in my yardage (I hit my hickory shafted driver approximately 225 yards), I adjusted my tees to the yardage closest to 6,000 yards. This aligns perfectly with the above chart. When I play modern clubs (which is rarely), I move back to approximately 6,500, also in line with the above chart. This adjustment has made the game much more enjoyable for me, and I suggest you give it a try.