What Are the Red Tees in Golf and Who Should Use Them?
It is not uncommon to hear debates on the golf course about which tee boxes players should use. Many people mistakenly see red tees as the ‘women's tees’, a label that has persisted for decades despite evolving standards in the game.
This misconception not only misrepresents their purpose but also discourages golfers from selecting tees appropriate to their skill level. In truth, red tees serve a functional role in making the game more accessible, enjoyable, and properly scaled to a player’s ability.
In this article, we explore what red tees actually are, their origin, how they fit into course design, and who should use them.
What are Tees in Golf?
In golf, a tee refers to two related concepts: the teeing ground and the tee peg.
The tee peg is a small device used to elevate the ball on the first shot of a hole, typically made of wood or plastic. More relevant in this context, however, is the teeing ground, i.e., the designated starting area for each hole, marked by tee markers.
This is where players take their first shot, known as the tee shot.
Teeing grounds are usually divided into several sets, each positioned at different distances from the hole. These are commonly identified by color codes and are designed to accommodate players of varying skill levels, driving distances, and physical capabilities.
The intent is to make the game fairer and more enjoyable by offering different starting points that match a golfer’s proficiency.
Here are the most commonly used golf tee colors and what they generally represent:
● Black Tees: Championship or professional tees, intended for elite players with very long driving distances. Often used for tournaments.
● Blue Tees: Back tees for low-handicap or advanced male players. They offer a challenging course length without reaching championship difficulty.
● White Tees: Regular men's tees or the standard tees for average male golfers. Commonly used in most casual play.
● Gold Tees: Often used as senior tees, typically for older male golfers who benefit from a shorter course.
● Red Tees: Traditionally labeled as women's tees, but now recognized as forward tees suitable for beginners, juniors, or anyone with shorter drives.
What are Red Tees in Golf?
Red tees are one of the most commonly recognized tee box colors on a golf course, traditionally positioned closest to the hole.
Let’s talk about the origin first. Historically, the red tees have been referred to as the ladies’ tees. This label emerged during the early and mid-20th century when courses began incorporating multiple tee boxes to accommodate differences in physical strength and driving distance between men and women.
At that time, red tees were designated specifically for female players, often due to the social norms and participation rates in the sport.
However, the terminology and assumptions surrounding red tees have evolved significantly. Modern golf course design and player development philosophy emphasize inclusivity and appropriate scaling of the course to match a golfer’s ability, rather than gender.
Hence, red tees are now more accurately described as forward tees, a term that reflects their position relative to other tee boxes rather than the demographic of the golfer. Their primary function is to shorten the total course length, making it more playable and enjoyable for players who do not hit the ball as far.
Over time, red tees have become a key feature in promoting fair play, pace of play, and overall enjoyment, especially for beginners, juniors, older players, and those returning to the game after a break or injury.
Unfortunately, despite the shift in language and usage, the misconception that red tees are exclusively for women still persists in many golfing circles. This has created unnecessary stigma and discouraged players who would benefit most from forward tees from using them.
In reality, though, it is important to remember that red tees are simply one of several tools available to help golfers engage with the game at a level that is both competitive and comfortable.
To sum it all up, red tees are forward-positioned starting points on a golf course designed to make the game more accessible and appropriately challenging for players with shorter drives.
While their origins are tied to gender-specific teeing areas, their modern role is based on ability, not identity. Understanding and accepting the true purpose of red tees is essential for encouraging broader participation and upholding the principles of fairness and enjoyment in the sport.
What to Consider When Choosing a Golf Tee Box?
Before we talk specifically about people who could benefit from red tees, let’s first take a look at general factors you should consider when choosing a golf tee box.
Driving Distance
One of the most critical factors in tee selection is average driving distance. Players should aim to reach the green in regulation, typically, one shot on a par 3, two on a par 4, and three on a par 5.
Golfers with shorter drives will benefit from forward tees, which reduce the total course yardage and make holes more playable. Many courses offer tee recommendation charts based on how far a player typically hits their driver.
For example, a golfer who drives 200 yards should ideally play from tees where the total course length is around 5,200 - 5,400 yards.
Skill Level and Handicap
Golfers with higher handicaps generally benefit from shorter tee boxes. The additional yardage from more distant tees may place undue pressure on their game, especially if they struggle with long iron or fairway wood play.
Playing from appropriate tees allows for more realistic scoring opportunities and helps build confidence, especially for beginners and intermediate players.
Course Layout and Conditions
Not all yardages play the same. A 6,000-yard course in a flat, dry region may play easier than a 5,800-yard course with elevation changes, narrow fairways, and thick rough.
When selecting a tee box, players should consider how course design, weather, and ground conditions might affect their ability to manage the hole from a given distance.
Age and Physical Ability
While age alone should not determine tee selection, physical limitations such as reduced flexibility, stamina, or swing speed can affect how far and how accurately a player can hit the ball. Seniors, juniors, and players recovering from injuries may find that forward tees offer a more enjoyable and sustainable experience, especially over 18 holes.
Group Dynamics and Pace of Play
Choosing a tee that is too difficult can lead to slow play, frustration, and a disrupted rhythm for the entire group. Golfers are encouraged to select tees that allow them to keep up with the flow of the round.
If playing in a mixed-skill group, it is common courtesy, and often more enjoyable, for each player to use the tees that suit them best, rather than everyone playing from the same set.
Personal Goals and Challenge Level
Some players may choose longer tees to test themselves or prepare for competition. While this is reasonable for low-handicap golfers, others should weigh their goals against their ability. Playing from overly challenging tees can result in discouragement rather than development.
Who Should Choose Red Tees?
Here are some categories of players who should consider red tees for golf:
Beginners and High-Handicap Golfers
New golfers often lack the consistency and distance required to manage a full-length course from middle or back tees. Red tees provide a shorter course layout, allowing beginners to focus on developing their swing, understanding course strategy, and maintaining confidence without being overwhelmed by excessive yardage.
Junior Golfers
Young players, especially those still building strength and swing mechanics, benefit from forward tees. Playing from red tees gives junior golfers a more scaled and age-appropriate experience, helping them stay engaged while learning the fundamentals of the game.
Senior Golfers
As swing speed and stamina naturally decline with age, many senior players find that red tees offer a more realistic and enjoyable round. Rather than struggling to reach greens in regulation, they can continue to compete effectively and maintain pace of play.
Players with Limited Distance
Regardless of age or gender, golfers with shorter average driving distances, typically under 180 - 200 yards, are often better suited to red tees. This includes some female players, recovering athletes, and those with physical limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are red tees less competitive?
Red tees are not inherently less competitive; they simply offer a different course length better suited to certain players' abilities. Competitiveness depends on how well a player executes shots relative to their skill level, not the tee box used.
Playing from the red tees can still demand accuracy, smart course management, and effective scoring. Many club competitions and amateur events include red tee divisions, affirming that they are a legitimate and respected playing option.
Can advanced players use red tees?
Advanced players can and often do use red tees, especially for targeted practice. Playing from forward tees challenges short game precision, puts more emphasis on approach shots, and forces creative course management strategies. It can also simulate pressure scoring scenarios by increasing birdie opportunities.
While red tees are generally designed for shorter hitters, advanced players use them to sharpen specific aspects of their game in both casual rounds and structured training sessions.