Playing from the back tees as a beginner?

Good morning everyone,

As some of you may have seen on some of my previous posts, I picked up the game about 7 months ago. Ever since that day, I have always played the back tees (except for the one time I played the ladies tees when I tried to get my girlfriend to pick up golf). Now I'm still learning and have yet to break 100. Most courses I have played have been around 6300-7000+ yards from the back tees. In these I usually score between 105-130 if its a challenging course and I'm not hitting consistently.

A few days ago, a scratch golfer told me that I shouldn't even be at the back tees until I break 90. My reasoning for playing the back tees is for the added challenge, more bang for your buck, as well as the fact that the back tees usually have the best scenery .

Keep in mind that I always keep up with the pace of play, so I'm not deviating from etiquette on the course.

What's your opinion? More importantly, what is your reasoning for playing from your choice of tees?

Thanks in advance for your $.02!

Dan

If you're not slowing the pace of play and your enjoyment of the game is increased by making it more difficult for yourself then go for it. Just be 100% sure you're not slowing others down.

What do you think about the actual play though? Usually on an average par 4, I'll hit: driver -> 4h -> wedge and then 2-3 putt. Would you consider a game more enjoyable it was Driver -> 7i (GIR) and putt?

I'd move up a tee box or two. Shooting better scores leads to improved confidence which leads to better ball striking. Playing from the back tees as a beginner, you'll be hitting the most difficult clubs (woods and long irons) all the time, which after a while would get frustrating. Sounds like you keep with the pace of play (keep up with the group in front, and if no one in front try to stay a hole ahead). Bottom line---I believe you will improve faster by moving up a tee box or two.

Most probably would, especially if they are scoring 105-130.  But, it is personal preference.  I agree that if you're not holding up play/pace, then play from whatever tees you want.  But it is hard to believe that taking 130 strokes doesn't slow play somewhat.

I try to play tees that fit my game, and that give me an opportunity for birdies and pars with good shots.  I don't have much fun if the course is too long.  Most everyone will agree that (in general) high cappers should not be playing the back tees.

Although a score of 130 will generally be considered slow play, I usually play during slow times (weekday mornings) so there aren't too many other golfers on the course.

On a side note, I read this on another post: "A rule of thumb is that you multiply your 5 iron distance by 36 and that gives you an idea of the course length for 18 holes you should seek."

I'll have to try playing from around 6100 yards and see how it affects my play. But in all honesty, making par on a par 5 from the back tees feels pretty damn good.

*thumbs up* I agree with this, I'll definitely try to see how it affects my play from closer tees.

You scores will improve. I think we might be at the same place as far as scoring. I noticed as I moved back before I was ready my scores would drop, and confidence. I would say try moving up and see how it feels. You should play better and when you scores improve so will your game.

Noticed from another thread that you are playing Foxford Hills Golf Club. Are you really playing from the back there? 74.2 rating, 142 slope....

I don't know the course, but aren't there holes where you can't even make the carry from the back tees? I don't know many 140+ slope courses that don't have some difficult carries, even for players with handicaps and distance much stronger than yours...

I'd say jump to the next closest tee, especially on a course as difficult as that one. If you are playing some 70.0 rating 115 slope course, then playing from the back tees makes more sense.

My reasoning has always been distance. Even when my handicap dictated that I should play from the middle tees, I'd always play from the back because somebody who drives the ball 300+ yards, hitting the fairway 50+% of the time, should not be playing from tees that leave him less than a PW on almost every approach.

Doc - I played Foxford 2 times last monday. Last month at the Chicago Golf Show in the Rosemont Convention Center, all attendees got a free round of golf at certain courses. This was the one they gave me for attending, so my buddy and I played it through 2 times for only the cart fee.

The first time through I scored a 127, then the second time through I scored a 114 (which was when I made that pitch you read about on the other post). Yes, this was a very difficult course, but only had 3 forced carries which I had a little bit of difficulty on, holes # 15,16 and 17. During the day, I lost 2 balls in water hazards and 3 balls in the woods if I sliced off the tee. I wonder how I would have done on a closer set of tees...? I'll have to drive out there again and try one of these days. Even though it's almost an hour away from home. :)

Thanks for your input!

Are you crazy or something? Why would you do this? Added challenge? As if golf isn't hard enough.

I never understand why beginners even play the blues, or middle tees. You should be playing white or front tees until you break 90.

Then blues or middle until you can shoot low to mid 80s.

Then play the back tees when you are a single digit handicap.

This is the exact point of view that I was told by that scratch golfer I mentioned in my OP. But my question is "why?" I'm sure many other golfers agree with your point of view; however, what's your reasoning for this?

When you get the new John Madden football game, do you set it to the hardest level right away, or do you start in rookie mode and learn the game first?

I like to play from whatever tees make me actually use my low-mid irons for approach shots.  If I play from the far back tees, I'm constantly using a 3h or 4i trying to just get close to the green.  If I play from the front tees, then I'm constantly using a SW.  The middle tees are usually right for me because then I get a good mix of irons used during the round.  And sticking a ball in the middle of the green from about 110-160 yards out is one of the most rewarding shots for me right now.  So, for me at least, I get the most enjoyment out of whichever tee makes me use the most out of my bag, and right now, that's generally the middle/blue tees.

Hey Dan...I definitely think you will get more out of the game by moving up to the middle tees. Nothing builds confidence faster than shooting for the pin versus trying to merely get it on the green in regulation. Couple that with the inspiration you get from watching your handicap index go down and you will be on your way to more competitive play. As a course marshal and course starter, I used to say to guests when asked what tees to play, "Play the middle tees and then move back if you start making too many birdies!" Much more fun and you can easily keep up with the group ahead of you. Have fun Dan and enjoy this the greatest game. John L

At the risk of sounding like a complete masochist, yes I do. LOL!

I'm currently halfway through Gears of War 3 on Insane.

This is an excellent reason. I would love to get more play out of my mid irons as I only use them maybe once every other hole. I'm using a 4h for most fairway shots and then a PW or SW to get onto the green.

Hey, whatever floats your boat.  As long as you're having fun.