Bitesize Basics of Golf with Jade - 2

The Tee Box

2. The Tee Box

When you show up to a golf course for the first time, you are probably wondering why there are different coloured tees and what do they all mean?  There is talk that tees should be based on ability, as opposed to gender – but for now see below for the different tees and who tee’s off from where:

Black or Gold Tees – Professional or some Amateur Competitions
(not all courses have these)
White Tees – Men’s Competition
Yellow Tees – Men’s Regular 
Red Tees – Women’s
Blue Tees – Veterans/ Juniors

First Shot

The first tee shot of a round can be quite daunting, even for seasoned golfers.  So make sure when starting a hole that you tee up from the correct teeing ground. This is the area between and behind the front of the appropriate markers.  Think of the teeing ground as a rectangle, between the coloured tee posts and within 2 club lengths in depth.  With all the swing thoughts that go through the average player’s head, it can be easy to forget about these basic parameters.  Also, please remember not to pull your trolley or drive your buggy over the teeing ground, as this could cause damage.

Penalty for teeing up the ball outside of the teeing area (you may take your stance outside if you prefer) is two shots in stroke play, or loss of hole in match play!  You must also correct the mistake, by playing a ball from inside the teeing ground.  Remember to breath and take it slow!

Playing the Correct Ball

Before teeing off on the first hole, make sure you have created a distinctive mark on your ball.  People use their initials, a smiley face or an emoji of your choice.  Golf balls are all very similar and it is easy to mistake yours for another player’s ball.   You should also declare what ball you are playing with to your playing partners before teeing off and the distinctive mark you are using.  They should do likewise.  This way, you substantially cut down the risk of hitting the wrong ball whilst playing and it also helps to prevent cheating of any kind.

Penalty for playing the wrong ball whilst on the course can result in loss of hole in Match Play and a two-stroke penalty in Singles Stroke play.  

Identifying your ball

Whilst playing, if when you approach your ball, you’re still unsure it is yours, you are permitted under the rules to identify it.  First, mark with a tee peg, then lift it to identify as your ball.  Please note you are not allowed to clean your ball whilst you are identifying it. Finally, replace your ball back in the identical spot.  You must inform your playing partners before lifting.   You are also permitted to do this in the rough, which can often be where it is most difficult to identify.

To avoid penalties and playing the wrong ball and be above suspicion of cheating, get into the habit of marking up your balls more clearly with distinctive personalised symbols.

NEXT WEEK: - Bag Management drops Fri 9th October 2020