Are you man enough to play from the forward tees?

Here’s a “forward” thinking idea – or is it just another feminist tirade?

Even though some courses have their own color coding system, the forward tees on a golf course are often referred to as the red tees. Many people call them the “ladies tees,” which I think is the problem stigmatizing these poor, underused tee markers around the country (maybe the world).

The idea behind the multiple tee marker placements is to give golfers a choice of how long and/or difficult of a course they want to play. Sometimes there are even shorter tees than the “reds,” often called junior tees. Most men, however, simply refuse to play from any tees in front of the “whites,” or middle tees.

Here’s an idea – maybe the tees should be posted with recommended handicap indexes. Some courses actually require proof of a lower index in order to play from the “backs” or “tips” as they’re sometimes called. Malibu Country Club is one such course. Why not have a similar situation at all tee placements – without the enforcement, except for extremes. That way, men wouldn’t feel emasculated when playing from alternate tee markers. Nor would they face the humiliation associated with a missed tee shot that doesn’t travel beyond those “ladies tees.” Now that indignity could rightfully fall on anyone who dinks their tee shot, from whichever markers they choose to start. Equal opportunity ridicule - I can take it.

Sure, I play from the forward tees. I also play from the whites. On really short courses, I’ve even been known to play from the blues. It’s so nice having options! Why shouldn’t men feel that same sense of liberation? I’ve played with some old men who hit their driver about as far as I hit my 7-iron who insist on playing from the “men’s tees.” Sometimes when I choose to play the whites, men even change their minds and suddenly decide to play the blues. Fellas, let me tell you: it’s neither manly nor impressive for you to play from further back if it’s just going to make you hack around more. I’ve sure seen my share of that, and it just makes me laugh (on the inside, of course). Then they get all frustrated and don’t enjoy their game. Why waste your money and spoil your day? And let’s not forget those poor folks behind you that have to wait around for you to find your ball and hit it four more times just to make room for them to hit.

As the game continues to grow and more people take to the field, I think the tee marker system needs an overhaul. There need to be more options for different skill levels, not just the big hitters. But there also needs to be an adjustment to the mindset about the different tees. Whether you’re a new golfer struggling to learn the game, a senior citizen, a high handicapper, or just a shorter hitter, why not play from further up? Even low handicappers might enjoy a change and a new challenge on a familiar course. Give it a try!

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