Play from the correct tees for more fun

I can’t tell you how many times I see golfers of all levels playing from the wrong tees and consequently not having fun playing the game they love.

This has nothing to do with being male or female, young or old. It has everything to do with your handicap, how far you honestly hit the ball and the course conditions for that day.

The Callaway Invitational at Gold Mountain just finished on Tuesday. Some of the best PGA golf professionals in the area competed and they played from what most would call the white or forward tees. This was due to the course being wetter than normal, rain in the forecast and the cold winter-like air.

If some of the best golfers in the Seattle area are playing from the forward tees, why would someone that shoots consistently over 80 or 90 play from the tips? If this tournament were in the middle of August, they would play from farther back (not necessarily all the way back), probably adding over 500 yards to the overall length of the course.

Even PGA Tour players rarely play the course from the very back tees in every round.

Here is a good rule of thumb playing a course you are not familiar with. Take a good look at the course/slope rating and length to choose the correct tees. The course designer has provided multiple tee options for a reason: to increase enjoyment.

Generally speaking, if you are a five handicap or less, you can handle the “blues” with a caddie, if provided, but otherwise, play the regular or forward tees. Trust me, if you play a great round and you want to brag to your buddies at home, no one will ask you what tees you played.

If you need any help with your game, come in anytime. Steve Wozeniak PGA Director of Instruction Bellevue/Lake Spanaway Golf Courses.

Contact Bellevue Reporter Golf Columnist Steve Wozeniak at swayne@premiergc.com .

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