So I have a little beef with players that play courses or tees way above their skill level. I was just at an outing with 12 guys and the guy who set it up insisted we play a course 6,700 yds and play from the back tee's or championship tees. When I suggested we play from the 2nd set of tees making the course 6,000 he replied "No way that's too short!". The whole day out of 12 people only 1 guy could drive 275 the rest were driving 200 and under. I don't like to golf with this guy a lot because he thinks his game is way above and beyond what it really is. he likes to play courses 7,000yds and up but never shots good at all. So many people today are obsessed with playing a pro length course or anything 7,000+.
I know my skill and my power, I am not a long driver at all, average drive is 180-200 but if I really get a hold of one which is rare 225. I shoot around in the 50's-60's on a 6,300 long course, which I typically do not play. I play courses around 5,200-5,900. I am still amazed on how many people who do not belong out on a big course or championship tees insist on playing them, swallow your pride. With people playing courses too big for them also comes with slow pace of play. I don't take 3-4 practice swings 1-2 is enough for me, I can usually hustle down the course often waiting for the next group I admit though maybe I need to slow down a little.
If you cannot reach the green in 2 then you are playing above your breeches, either pick a different course or move up to a closer set of tee's, you're wasting everyone's time.
Beginners FAQ - Which Set of Tees on the Tee Box Should I Use?
Another Suggestion
Here's another general guideline for choosing the distance at which to play a golf course: Take your average 5-iron distance (be honest!), multiply by 36, and choose the tees that most closely match that yardage. Example: You hit your 5-iron 150 yards. So 150 times 36 equals 5,400. Choose the tees closest to 5,400 yards in length.
PGA of America/USGA Recommendations
In 2011, the PGA of America and USGA issued a set of recommendations designed to encourage golfers to play from appropriate yardages. These guidelines are based on golfers' average driving distance. So find your driving distance, then see what yardage these two organizations recommend.
Avg. drive -
Recommended Tees
300 yards - 7,150-7,400 yards
275 yards - 6,700-6,900 yards
250 yards - 6,200-6,400 yards
225 yards - 5,800-6,000 yards
200 yards - 5,200-5,400 yards
175 yards - 4,400-4,600 yards
150 yards - 3,500-3,700 yards
125 yards - 2,800-3,000 yards
100 yards - 2,100-2,300 yards
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