"Tee if Forward" and "Ready Golf" is it a scam?

[MrMr]

I just read an interesting item on "Tee if Forward" and "Ready Golf"
The bare bones to the article is asking, is it a scam by the PGA.
If I may, the item is on golfclubshaftreview.com
http://www.golfclubshaftreview.com/join-the-discussion-forum.html#/help-page/
What are your thoughts on Tee it Forward, Are we being encouraged to play half a game so that golf clubs can make more money?

 

[Spark.]

Tee it forward? Has no one told the guy about red and yellow tees?

 

[Hacker Khan]

Nope. Personally I think the response you have linked to is a bit narrow minded and does the game no favours.

I think they are just trying to open up the game to as many people as possible by making it less intimidating and quicker. Participation is falling and membership numbers are dropping, so they are trying something other than sticking their heads in the sand which seems to be a quite common response.

I think 20-20 is a great example of how to do this. It's a different type of cricket to appeal to the public in the 21st century, it's a bit brash, very exciting and has been a success. But it has not replaced test cricket or longer forms of the game that coexist along side it.

Golf just seems to have to very little forward thinking and seems to say that you should play it the way it was created several hundred years ago. And if not then go away and do something else. But unfortunately it seems people are going away, which will not be good for the long term future of the game.

 

[Foxholer]

I don't believe it's a scam.

Being a pretty new course, The Shire has tees and hazards pretty much perfectly placed. We decide which tees to use rather than simply heading for a particular one. Normally White/Diamond but no hesitation using Yellow (actually Blue/Saphire there) if there's a decent breeze. And the very Back (Green/Emerald) ones (which even the Pros don't play all of) might be considered if it's dead calm and running - though that makes the Par 3s, including the 1st, monsters!

I have no ego about playing off the very back tees. I've played off enough to know that they are normally make the course far too long for me. However, I don't have a problem if visitors wish to play off a 'full length' course. Whether they really enjoy that distance is arguable though!

 

[HomerJSimpson]

These things come and go. Powerplay was touted several years ago as a way of making golf more exciting and quicker as it was played over 9 holes. That seemed to die a death very quickly

 

[Sweep]

No, it isn't a scam. In the US a course will typically have several tees and the player can choose which tee he plays off. General macho-ness dictates that most men go as far back as they dare. The problem is that no-one ever gave the game up because it was too easy. The USGA did a study and one of the results was that by choosing the right tee for your actual ability (for a bounce game) made a big difference to your enjoyment of your round.

 

[ScienceBoy]

A well designed 5500-6000 yard course with a bit of water and well kept rough is a far better day out than a 6300+ yard course with punishing rough and constant drainage ditches.

Shorter, more open but well designed courses are the way forward rather than just pure distance and uncut rough.

We have the technology to make cheaper, more challenging terrain, the cost of less land would mean more for sculpting and all the above would keep a more even pace.

Too long have courses relied on length and punishing rough, these are cheap and outdated defences for a golf course.

I am all for people playing off shorter tees, I think clubs should have 4-5 options with anyone being able to play off any tees.

A set of Junior/Senior tees would be a good idea, as well as Lady competition tees, these could be combined with the traditional of course or only exist on certain holes.

 

[HawkeyeMS]

Tee it Forward? There are already forward tees. Many guys at our place play off the yellows as they can't cope with the whites.

As for Ready Golf, the only reason that would be required is if people aren't ready to play when it's their turn. You don't need to change the etiquette, you just need to change people's attitude. If everyone was ready to play when it is their turn, there wouldn't be an issue.