Play the Right Tees. Play Better Golf.

FPGA Members,

Let’s talk about something that quietly affects scoring, pace of play, and overall enjoyment every single tournament:

Tee selection.

Too often, golfers choose tees based on pride instead of performance. The result? Longer rounds, higher scores, and unnecessary frustration.

There’s a better way.

Why Tee Selection Matters

High-handicap players (15–30+ index) typically do not average the 250+ yard driving distance needed to play from the back tees comfortably.

When the course stretches beyond your effective range, it leads to:

• 190–220 yard approach shots into par 4s • More forced carries over hazards • Fewer realistic birdie chances • Increased likelihood of blow-up holes

Instead of playing strategic golf, you end up playing recovery golf.

The Performance Reality

Longer tees don’t just make the course “harder.” They reduce your margin for error.

More long irons. More hybrids into greens. More missed greens. More pressure swings.

Even if the final score doesn’t jump dramatically, consistency suffers—and so does confidence.

What the USGA Recommends

The United States Golf Association (USGA) encourages golfers to select tees based on driving distance, not ego.

General yardage guidelines:

• 300-yard driver → 7,200–7,400 yards • 250-yard driver → 6,400–6,600 yards • 225-yard driver → 6,000–6,200 yards • 200-yard driver → 5,400–5,800 yards

Matching course length to your actual distance creates better approach shots and better scoring opportunities.

The Benefits of Moving Up

When you play the correct tees, you’ll notice:

• More greens in regulation • More wedge approaches • More realistic birdie looks • Fewer penalty strokes • Faster pace of play • A more enjoyable round

That’s not “playing shorter.” That’s playing smarter.

FPGA Standard: Competitive & Enjoyable Golf

Our goal isn’t to prove how far back we can stand.

Our goal is • Competitive rounds • Fair pace of play • Strong scoring opportunities • And an experience everyone enjoys

If moving up one set of tees gives you more wedges and fewer hybrids into greens, that’s not weakness—that's good course management.

Call to Action

Before our next event, take an honest look at your average driving distance and choose the tee box that gives you a legitimate chance to reach greens in regulation.

Better golf starts before the first swing.

Let’s play smart.

See you on the first tee.