The pace of play is a constant source of conversation in golf. No one likes slow play but how do we pick up the pace? There are many ways, but perhaps the most effective is to play from the proper tees, the ones that match your game. Here at Southern Gayles, we have five sets of tees ranging from 4711 to 7070 total yards. Which should you play?
A recent GolfDigest article by E. Michael Johnson suggests a simple formula based on your 5 iron distance that will guide you to the proper tees. It’s a simple formula, and I like simple! Here’s a link to the full article.
A few years ago the PGA and USGA promoted a program called Tee it Forward. Tee it Forward suggested which tees to use based on average driving distance. In 2019 the average driving distance for male amateur golfer was 216 yards. Based on that, the Tee it Forward program would suggest the average male amateur golfer should be playing a course around 5400 yards. Are those the tees you’re playing from? (The Tee it Forward distance/yardage charts are easily available with a google search.) Sadly, most amateur golfers overestimate how far they hit the ball. Be honest with yourself, you will have more fun in the long run.
While I’m on the subject of slow play, let me add my pet peeve. Please, please for everyone’s sake, don’t go for every par 5 in two. Here’s why. Let’s say your best, solid 3 wood goes 220 yards. Further, let’s say your drive has left you 220 yards from the green. So, you wait and wait, and wait, for the green to clear, finally, you hit your 3 wood. I would venture a guess that you hit the green maybe 1 out of 10 times. I suspect that 5 or 6 times out of 10 your ball ends up in the rough, or short-sided near the green, in a hazard, out of bounds, topped 40 yards, etc. and you end up with bogey or worse. On the other hand, had you not used the 3 wood, but a 6 or 7 iron things would be completely different. First, you wouldn’t need to wait for the green to clear! Second, I’d wager that 9 times out of 10 you’d be in the fairway with an easy wedge to the green. There you are, putting for birdie with the added benefit of an increased pace of play. I concede there are exceptions. Maybe it’s the 18th hole and you need an eagle to win a bet. Or perhaps a match-play situation where you need to apply a little pressure to your opponent, etc. But, for the average golfer playing in their Sunday morning group, laying up on par fives is the smart, percentage play. You’ll score better and play faster.
Evaluate your game honestly. Use the proper tees and play the percentage shot on par fives. Your score will improve and pace of play will increase.