Tee Box Strategy
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Sean is the co-founder of My Golf Tutor, the top golf instructional blog helping weekend golfers play better golf. He played on the Irish National team that produced major champions like Rory Mcllroy, Graeme McDowell, Padraig Harrington, and Darren Clarke before playing professionally for 5 years around the world.
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The correct tee box strategy can make the difference between hitting a ball in a pond versus hitting onto the fairway.
Here is a scenario we have all experienced: when you step on to the tee box, you see a large pond – or out of bounds (“OB”) stakes – down the right side of the fairway. You’re thinking, “I definitely don’t want to hit it in there.”
So, where do you tee the ball up to increase your chances of missing the pond or OB stakes?
Phil had this same question when he wrote:
“Hey Sean, is there a specific area or spot in the tee box on which I should tee up? Should the presence of hazards or trouble influence my decision?”
Tee Box Strategy: Number One Factor
The number one factor when deciding where to tee off in between the markers will depend on what shot shape you naturally have, or the shot shape that you are trying to create.
If you are someone who curves the ball from left to right (i.e. a fade), then you are going to want to tee up on the right side of the tee markers.
From a visual perspective, this is going to allow you to hit into the left side of the fairway, and give you that area to the right, which will allow your shot to curve back and the ball to land on the fairway.
The same logic applies when trouble is on the right hand side of the fairway. We want to tee up on the right side of the tee box and aim down the left and let the ball curve back to the right. From a course management perspective, this means you are playing away from the trouble.
Always….
Hit away from the hazard or trouble (where you definitely don’t want the ball to go) and let the shot curve back into play.
You never want to start the ball towards the trouble if at all possible. We want to make sure we never get penalized for hitting a straight shot.
To Recap…
Just remember to tee the ball up on the side of the tee box where the trouble is, and to hit away from the trouble if at all possible. This will give you a greater chance of hitting the fairway and shooting lower scores.
This video will explain a little bit more about proper tee box strategy. If you know someone who has this same problem, send them this link to help them avoid more hazards and hit more fairways.
What is your natural shot shape off the tee? Do you normally hit a fade, a draw, or a straight shot? Let me know in the comment section below.
