Forward Thinking

Introduction

Adding forward tees is a crucial strategy for older golf courses, significantly enhancing playability, inclusivity, and overall enjoyment. This post explores the benefits of integrating forward tees, highlighting their importance for various golfers and course management. 

How to design forward tees is a separate topic in and of itself; after all, every site and set of circumstances is different. Therefore, consulting a qualified Golf Course Architect to meet your specific needs is always advisable. However, for fun, here is a video demo of how we approached forward tee design on a current project with some challenging terrain:

Forward tees are a valuable investment and should be part of every course's long-term strategy.

Here's why:

Inclusivity and Accessibility

Golf for Everyone: Forward tees make the game more accessible to players with varying skill sets or shorter driving distances, allowing a broader spectrum of players to enjoy and compete relative to their skill level.

Beginners: Newer players benefit from forward tees, which provide a less intimidating introduction to the game. Success helps build confidence and skill without the frustration of navigating longer holes, making learning more enjoyable.

Flow (Pace of Play)

Better Flow: Forward tees can improve the flow of play by allowing golfers with slower swing speeds to reach greens more efficiently, reducing time spent on each hole and avoiding backups on the course.

Enhanced Enjoyment

Achievement: Forward tees allow more players to reach greens in regulation, increasing their chances of achieving par or better scores and enhancing overall enjoyment and satisfaction.

Consistency: Like the handicap system, forward tees equalize the playing field, providing a similar experience, strategy, and challenge relative to each player's ability.

Maintenance

Wear and Tear: Distributing play across more teeing areas can reduce wear and tear on specific parts of the course, leading to better maintenance and overall condition.

Promotion of the Sport

Attracting More Players: Making the course more accessible and enjoyable with forward tees can attract a wider range of players, promote the sport, and potentially increase membership and revenue.

Junior and Family-Friendly: Courses with forward tees are more family-friendly. They encourage juniors and families to take up the sport together, fostering a love for the game from a young age and supporting future golfer development.

Handicap System Compatibility

Accurate Handicaps: Forward tees enable a more precise calculation of handicaps for players with different driving distances, ensuring fair competition and appropriate course ratings for all skill levels.

Conclusion

Incorporating forward tees benefits all golfers, from beginners to experienced players. It enhances individual enjoyment and contributes to the sport's growth and sustainability, making golf more inclusive, accessible, and enjoyable for all.