What Do The Different Color Tee Boxes On a Golf Course Mean?
On a golf course, the tee boxes are usually marked with different colors to indicate the level of difficulty of the hole. these 2-3 metre deep areas are found all over the course, and there will likely be multiple options on the course. However they all are designed for different players So before you try the first one you find check out the most common tee box color schemes below.
- Red: typically used for women or for the most difficult holes.
- White: for the standard level of difficulty.
- Blue: used for holes that are more challenging than the standard level.
- Black: for the most challenging holes on the course.
- Gold: used for tournament play or tournament level and also seniors if forward of the white tee.
- Green: Rarely seen but can be used on for novice golfers/ children on training courses.
It’s worth noting that not all golf course use same color scheme and it may varies based on course management. They may also change the color of the tee boxes depending on the season, the weather, or the tournament schedule.
What Color Tee Boxes are there on A Golf Course?
The most common colors used for tee boxes in golf are red, white, and blue. Some golf courses may also have black or gold tee boxes to indicate an even higher level of difficulty. It’s worth noting that, these color scheme and availability of tee boxes also change based on golf course management and their own guidelines, so some may not have all of the colors mentioned or may have additional color options.
The main idea behind using different color is to indicate the level of difficulty of the hole.
We have a table with, and please note this, very rough average of the difference both in potential distance from and the likely percentage average from the tee to the hole. it is intended as a rough guide as not only is every course different, but so is every hole! We also have a club selection calculator to help you chose the right club for the shot distance you are trying, both a women’s and a mens golf club selection calculator can be found on the links.
Table 1: Average Percentage between T Box Distance to the Green
| Tee Box Color | Average Percentage difference in Length to the Green from the white tee box | Example on a 500 yard hole |
| Red | 80-85% of the Hole Length | 400-425 yards |
| White | Equal | 500 Yards |
| Blue | 105-110% of the hole length | 525 – 550 yards |
| Gold* | 110-115% of the hole length (if back) 80-85% of the hole length (if forward) | 550-575 yards 400-425 yards |
| Black | 110-120% of the hole length | 550 – 600 yards |
| Green** | Varies | varies |
* Can actually be used for both seniors and more advanced depending on position. If its further forward (closer to the pin) it will be for seniors or those who can not hit the ball so far, if further back (than the white) it will be for tournaments or advanced players
** Rarely seen, but on some training courses there may be a green tee box for novices to train and try out their drives.
As we mentioned above this is a rough guide, and rather than range finding ( from the tee) there should be a notice at each tee box that states the yards to the hole. The key is to play from a tee that makes your round fun and enjoyable not frustrating as its to easy or difficult. If that’s the front tee that’s just as fine as if its the back one.
What Happens If I Use the Wrong Tee Box?
If you use the wrong tee box in golf, you will likely have a harder time completing the hole and may score worse as a result. Golfers are expected to play the hole from the appropriate tee box based on their skill level and the rules of the course.
When playing from the wrong tee box, you may hit your ball shorter or longer than intended, making it more difficult to reach the green or the hole. This can also affect the angles and strategy for approaching the hole, as well as the distances to hazards and bunkers.
If a golfer is found to be playing from the wrong tee box in money matches or competitions you may be given a warning, or may be penalized strokes depending on the rules of that tournament or the course. If you do it in a money match you probably wont be asked to play again!
It’s worth noting that in general play, most of the golfers choose the tee box that provides them with the most comfortable challenge, but it’s important to be familiar with the course and its rules before starting the game.
What Color Tee Box Do Professionals Use?
Professional golfers typically use the black tee boxes when competing in a tournament or during practice rounds on a course. These tee boxes are typically the longest and most challenging on the course and not every course will have them.
It is meant to test the skill and accuracy of the top-level players. This allows professional players to showcase their abilities and compete at the highest level.
In some specific tournament and professional events, a different tee box may be used. For example, in major golf tournaments like the US Open, the tee boxes are often set up to play longer than the usual course setup to increase the difficulty and test the player’s accuracy and skill.
So if you want to try your hand at top level golf, and slow down every one behind you then feel free to 5 stroke your way to the green from these tee boxes, however we don’t recommend it.
What Color Tee Box do Women Use and Why?
Typically, women use the red tee boxes on a golf course. These tee boxes are usually shorter than the other tee boxes and are set up to provide a more manageable level of difficulty for women golfers.
However, there is a valid,significant and growing push back on this, if not on the length but on the description, golf is a game of skill, where only from the tee is there debatably an argument for difference between men and women.
At the tip of the spear there may be a difference in driving length between professional men and women, but lower down from those preference there is a push to base the suitable Tee Boxes on handicap not gender and the difference in distance is much closer and of course there are many women players that will outdrive their male counterparts every day of the week.
As mentioned above we have a calculator for both women and men to help their club selection.
Fortunately, In recreational golf you can play at whatever tee box color you wish. It’s not a strict rule to use red tee boxes for women, it’s just an option, any golfer can choose to use whatever tee box they feel comfortable with. (outside of tournaments of course)
Do Children Have a Specific Color Tee Box?
Children generally do not have a specific color tee box designated for them on a golf course. Instead, children are usually encouraged to play from the tee boxes that are appropriate for their skill level and size.
Some golf course management also provide some specific tee box that are shorter in length, called Junior Tee, Green Tee or Forward Tee, for children or beginner golfers, which can be a good option to start with.
For example, a child who is just starting to learn to play golf may be more comfortable and successful playing from the shorter green or red tee boxes, whereas a more experienced child golfer may be able to handle the longer white or even blue tee boxes.
It’s important that the child golfer should be able to enjoy the game and make progress, by choosing the appropriate tee box that can provide a good level of challenge for them.
As the child’s skill level increases, then they can be encouraged to play from longer tee boxes to continue to challenge them and improve their game. So If you are taking your family out for their first round of golf don’t put your 8 year old on a blue tee box.
What is Difference Between the Tee Boxes?
In golf, tee boxes are areas on the course where players begin each hole by hitting their tee shot. Tee boxes are typically marked with different colors, such as red, white, and blue, to indicate the level of difficulty of the hole.
The main difference between the tee boxes is the distance they are set from the hole. Tee boxes that are farther away from the hole are considered to be more challenging, while those that are closer are considered to be less challenging. The colors are used as a way to indicate this difference in difficulty.
For example, as we mentioned above the red tee boxes are more suitable for beginners or for golfers who prefer a less challenging round. Blue tee boxes are generally farther away from the hole and require a longer shot to reach the green, making them more suitable for experienced or more advanced players.
There is more than just distance to the distance from the hole at play here though, different tee boxes may also provide different angles or perspectives on the hole, which can affect the golfer’s strategy for approaching the hole.
if you want to know when you should change your tee box you can check out this article on the link.
What Color Tee Box Should I Use?
The appropriate color tee box for you to use on a golf course depends on your skill level and the rules of the course. There is also a lot more to it than we can go into here, so we offer the brief guide below and you can check out our more in-depth article if you need more information.
As mentioned, most golf courses have red, white, and blue tee boxes, and typically the following applies:
- Red tee boxes are for the most beginner or for players who prefer a shorter and less challenging hole.
- White tee boxes are for standard level of difficulty and usually used by intermediate players.
- Blue tee boxes are for more experienced players or for holes that are more challenging than the standard level.
As we also mentioned above you may see Yellow, Black and green tee box colors on some courses which indicate additional or reduced lengths, but the three colors above are by far the most common.
In general, you should choose the tee box that provides you with the most comfortable level of challenge. If you are just starting out or are not confident in your ability to hit the ball a long distance, you may want to start with the red tee boxes.
As your skills improve, you can gradually move up to the white and then the blue tee boxes.
You may also want to consider your own physical abilities, for example, if you have any physical limitations, it’s important to choose a tee box that will not put too much strain on your body.
Ultimately, the idea is to have fun and enjoy the game, as you get better and more confident in your abilities, you can move up to more challenging tee boxes.
Conclusion
Although different courses may have different colors of Tee Boxes, the most commonly seen colors are red, white and blue ( how patriotic!) and they all in the simplest purpose provide a different length to the hole for varying skill levels of golfer.
Although there might also be an additional difference in ease of avoid hazards, or making it to the fairway, the aim to to level the field at the beginning of each hole and make the players round enjoyable and fun, with a challenge suitable for each players ability.
