Handicap, which tees?

[doc333]

This has always been a massive bug up my backside. I joined my club 6-years ago and had to put 3-cards in played off the yellows. I estimated that I would be a 17 handicapper, but another slight change to the rules meant my best card was used for handicap purposes, so ended up as 16. Since then I've gone backwards in every medal except 1 and never had a cut at my club. I can play golf under handicap home and away, but really struggle in QC's at my club. Yes some of the reason will be comp nerves etc, but the main problem is that we play medals from the championship tees (Blue) These tees are an average of 40-yards further back or different side. There are some holes that are over 70-yards further back and the overall distance is an extra 700+ yards. There are 3 par 4's that I have to play as par 5's, so I'm already 3 strokes behind before teeing up on the 1st. many high handicappers don't bother turning out for QC's anymore as no enjoyment is had and its a struggle when some of them know that they will not even carry the lake on one hole so don't bother and just drop a ball in the DZ. They've even built 3 new blue tee positions which will be ready for next season, so the course is going to toughen up even more. Low handicap members have been behind this move, which is great for them and the team as the CSS moves and our teams are winning leagues. But I just do my 3 qualifiers each season to keep current now 18.4, but play to an average of 13 everywhere else!! Yellows are members and visitors tees, whites are members only and blues are competion tees

 

[moogie]

Blues?

Not at My Course
Just White, Yellow, Red
Although the Front 9 does contain Blue Forward Tees for Juniors, just starting up, only

 

[Little Jockey]

This has always been a massive bug up my backside. I joined my club 6-years ago and had to put 3-cards in played off the yellows. I estimated that I would be a 17 handicapper, but another slight change to the rules meant my best card was used for handicap purposes, so ended up as 16. Since then I've gone backwards in every medal except 1 and never had a cut at my club. I can play golf under handicap home and away, but really struggle in QC's at my club. Yes some of the reason will be comp nerves etc, but the main problem is that we play medals from the championship tees (Blue) These tees are an average of 40-yards further back or different side. There are some holes that are over 70-yards further back and the overall distance is an extra 700+ yards. There are 3 par 4's that I have to play as par 5's, so I'm already 3 strokes behind before teeing up on the 1st. many high handicappers don't bother turning out for QC's anymore as no enjoyment is had and its a struggle when some of them know that they will not even carry the lake on one hole so don't bother and just drop a ball in the DZ. They've even built 3 new blue tee positions which will be ready for next season, so the course is going to toughen up even more. Low handicap members have been behind this move, which is great for them and the team as the CSS moves and our teams are winning leagues. But I just do my 3 qualifiers each season to keep current now 18.4, but play to an average of 13 everywhere else!! Yellows are members and visitors tees, whites are members only and blues are competion tees

Doc33 - I'd consider changing club.... sounds a right slog? I think part of the reason we join clubs is to meet new folk, play and comps and get our handicaps down... I read a thread on here a while back about guys getting fed up with their club, changing clubs and then gaining a new found love for golf on a different course?

 

[FairwayDodger]

Why don't Ladies play off yellows in competition?

Could be a decent idea. I played the Duke's at St Andrews recently and the yellows there are also designated at ladies comp tees. Wouldn't make any significant difference at my course though, in fact some of the guys non-comp tees are ahead of the ladies ones.

Good Point
Ladies Only have 1 set of tee markers -- Red
Gents -- Yellow ( social ) & White ( Comps )
So good point to bring up, as Ladies are playing Their Comp course socially too.......Gents CAN'T
Im Surprised some of the Equality Guys haven't thrown this back at some of their clubs and Committees.....??

Got to laugh! So guys have two sets of tees, ladies only one and you lot reckon that shows a benefit in favour of the ladies?

 

[moogie]

Got to laugh! So guys have two sets of tees, ladies only one and you lot reckon that shows a benefit in favour of the ladies?

Just Playing Devils Advocate.......But, Yes, Playing your own Comp Tees every time u play, is defo a benefit
As opposed to playing my mates off yellows, but adding a few hundred EXTRA Yards when I play a Comp, its a different course that way

 

[FairwayDodger]

Just Playing Devils Advocate.......But, Yes, Playing your own Comp Tees every time u play, is defo a benefit
As opposed to playing my mates off yellows, but adding a few hundred EXTRA Yards when I play a Comp, its a different course that way

It certainly means that we're more practised on the exact yardages and lines when we play comps but we don't get that sense of "special" I alluded to earlier. So swings and roundabouts really.

 

[moogie]

It certainly means that we're more practised on the exact yardages and lines when we play comps but we don't get that sense of "special" I alluded to earlier. So swings and roundabouts really.

I certainly Never used the word 'special' , and personally dont have a prob, Im just surprised some of the 'old brigade' havent brought this up at some clubs..........
Id like to have the opportunity to play my medal ( tees ) course more often, thats all

 

[FairwayDodger]

I certainly Never used the word 'special' , and personally dont have a prob, Im just surprised some of the 'old brigade' havent brought this up at some clubs..........
Id like to have the opportunity to play my medal ( tees ) course more often, thats all

Sure and I understand that but you seem to think the ladies are getting an advantage. We simply don't have the option to play off medal tees ever. Your club is giving you a facility that it doesn't extend to its female members.

Would you prefer if you only had one set of tees and always played off them? Many would, I'm sure. Just as many ladies might like separate medal tees.

 

[moogie]

Would you prefer if you only had one set of tees and always played off them? Many would, I'm sure. Just as many ladies might like separate medal tees.

In Answer YES, I would, be more than happy with 1 set of tees for gents too.
I would also like, when paying a green fee at a visiting club, to be allowed to play the Tee of my choice, I dont really get why all clubs dont allow this.......??
Some very Strange thinking at some golf clubs. IMHO

 

[FairwayDodger]

In Answer YES, I would, be more than happy with 1 set of tees for gents too.
I would also like, when paying a green fee at a visiting club, to be allowed to play the Tee of my choice, I dont really get why all clubs dont allow this.......??
Some very Strange thinking at some golf clubs. IMHO

Agreed. I'd like to play off the whites at my own course but will never get that opportunity....

 

[GOLFBALL_WHACKER_GUY]

This may sound totally stupid, so apologies from a fresh golfer with no comp or club experience;

Ive always played from the yellows, even on society days, which led me to believe the yellow tees were for beginners and society play, and even joe public.
The whites I assumed were for comps, and club members.

I know that if I were a member some where (next year il be looking!) and entering comps playing off the whites in them, I'd be playing off the whites all the time, even in practice rounds. Doesnt make sense in playing from a different tee, does it?

Or have I got it all terribly wrong?