
In golf, the colour of the tees that players choose to play from can drastically change the total distance of the course. Black tees are usually the farthest offered to amateurs, and low-handicappers tend to play from them. However, there is no standardisation of tee colours across courses, and even within the same city, the colours can vary. For instance, some courses use black tees for juniors and senior women, while others use them as the tips.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Black tees are the farthest tees offered to amateurs
The colour of tees in golf is not standardised, and the order of colours varies across courses. However, black tees are often the farthest tees offered to amateurs.
At the Pete Dye Course in French Lick, Indiana, there is a difference of more than 2,000 yards in total distance between the red tees (the closest offered) and the black tees. There is also a difference of 1,000 yards between the white tees (played by men with high handicaps) and the black tees.
The colour of the tees indicates the difficulty level of the course. At some courses, the order of colours is red, white, blue, and black, with red being the front tees and blue/black being the back tees. At other courses, the order is red, yellow, black, with yellow tees in front of the black tees.
The choice of tee colour depends on the golfer's skill level. Beginners should play from the reds or golds, high handicappers play from the whites, mid-handicappers from the blues, and low-handicappers from the blacks. Golfers with low handicaps and those who can regularly hit 300-yard drives are better suited to playing from the black tees.
While the colours of tees are not consistent, the yardage, slope, and rating of the course are important factors that can help golfers determine the appropriate tees to play from.
Golfing for Beginners: Me and My Game
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Black tees are for low-handicappers
While the colours of golf tees vary across courses and countries, black tees are generally considered the farthest tees from the hole and are meant for low-handicappers.
Golf tees are the spots on a golf course where players start each hole. The colour of the tees indicates the distance of the tee markers from the hole, with each tee colour corresponding to a different skill level. Black tees, being the farthest from the hole, are meant for skilled golfers with low handicaps.
Handicap in golf refers to the number of strokes a player is allowed to subtract from their total score. It is a way to measure a golfer's skill level and is used to create a fair playing field for players of varying abilities. A low handicap indicates a more skilled golfer, while a high handicap indicates a less skilled golfer.
Low-handicappers, or skilled golfers, typically have a better ability to drive the ball long distances with accuracy. As a result, they are able to handle the challenge of teeing off from a greater distance from the hole. Playing from the black tees adds a significant amount of distance to the course, sometimes up to 2,000 yards, making the game more difficult.
However, it is important to note that the tee colour system is not standardized across all golf courses. While black tees are often the farthest tees, there are courses where other colours, such as gold or blue, are used for the farthest tees. Additionally, the order of tee colours can vary, with some courses having black tees in front of other colours. Ultimately, the specific tee setup will depend on the design of the course and the preferences of the course management.
Snell Golf Military Discount: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$15.99

Black tees are placed behind blue, yellow, or white tees
The colours of golf tees indicate the distance from the green. Black tees are often the farthest from the green, and they are usually placed behind blue, yellow, or white tees.
While tee colours are not consistent across different courses, the order of tee colours often follows a similar pattern. One course may have red, blue, then white tees, while another may have red, white, blue tees. A third course may have red, yellow, and black tees.
The tee a golfer chooses depends on their skill level. Beginners should play from the reds or golds, which are also meant for seniors. High handicappers play from the whites, mid-handicappers from the blues, and low-handicappers from the blacks.
Golfers should be mindful of their skill level when choosing a tee box. Starting too far from the green can negatively impact one's score.
Golfing Fun: The AM-AM Format
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$13.99 $14.99

Black tees are sometimes used for juniors and senior women
The colour of tees in golf is used to indicate the tee box options available to players. While the colours themselves are not standardised and vary across courses, the distances they represent are consistent. The black tees are typically the farthest from the green and are meant for low-handicap golfers who can regularly hit 300-yard drives.
However, black tees can also be used for juniors and senior women, as seen on some courses. In this setup, the tees progress from red (ladies) to green (senior men) to white (super senior men) and finally, black (juniors and senior women). This order may vary across courses, with some having red, white, blue, and black tees, while others may have red, yellow, black, or other colour combinations.
The variation in tee colours and their corresponding distances adds to the beauty of the game, offering different challenges and experiences at each course. It is important for golfers to be mindful of their skill level and choose the appropriate tees to avoid a frustrating round.
While the colours may not be consistent, golfers can quickly determine the appropriate tees by considering the yardage, slope, and rating of the course, as well as their own hitting distance and skill level. This ensures they start at a suitable distance from the green and do not unnecessarily prolong their game or that of their playing partners.
Understanding the course and tee options is an important aspect of golfing strategy, and golfers should take the time to assess these factors before teeing off.
Obama's Golf Outings: A Presidential Pastime
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$8.99 $11.99

Black tee placement can vary between courses
The colour of golf tees indicates the tee box options available to golfers. Black tees are typically the farthest tees from the hole and are meant for low-handicap golfers. However, the placement of black tees can vary between courses, and there is no standard colour system for tees. For example, one course may use black tees as the farthest tees, while another course may use gold or another colour. Even within the same city, the tee colour systems can differ.
The order of tee colours can also vary. For instance, one course may use red, white, and blue tees, while another may use red, yellow, and black tees, with the black tees being the farthest from the hole. The distance between tee colours can also differ between courses. For example, the Pete Dye Course in French Lick, Indiana, has a difference of more than 2,000 yards between the red tees (the closest) and the black tees (the farthest offered to amateurs).
The variation in tee colour systems and placements adds to the beauty of the game, as each course presents unique challenges and strategies. Golfers need to adapt to the specific layout and distances of each course they play.
While black tees are generally the farthest tees, there are exceptions where black tees are used for juniors and senior women, with other colours like gold or blue being the farthest tees. Ultimately, the yardage, slope, and rating of the course are more important factors than the colour of the tees.
Golf League Basics: How to Get Started and Play
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Black tees are one of the tees, or tee boxes, used in golf. The tees are usually colour-coded and vary across courses. Black tees are often the farthest tees from the green, and are meant for low-handicappers.
A handicap is a measure of a golfer's playing ability. It is usually calculated by taking the average of the best eight out of a golfer's last 20 rounds.
The Pete Dye Course in French Lick, Indiana, is an example of a course with black tees. There, the black tees are the farthest offered to amateurs, with over 2,000 yards of total distance.









































