Which Tee Box Should You Play In A Round of Golf?

Choosing the right tee box can make or break your golf game. Whether you’re a seasoned pro seeking a challenge or a beginner just learning your swing, the tee box you choose significantly impacts the enjoyment and flow of your round. With multiple options available at courses like River Landing’s award-winning golf courses, knowing what’s best for your skill level will improve both your confidence and game strategy.

At River Landing, we’re proud to offer an exceptional golf experience with two Top 40 courses that feature diverse tee box options. If you’re not sure where to begin, we’re here to help guide you through the process so you can tee off with confidence!

The Basics of Tee Boxes

Each hole on a golf course includes multiple tee boxes, which are designated starting points that vary in distance from the hole. These tee boxes are designed to offer a fair challenge for golfers of different abilities. To make identification easy, they are marked by specific colors. This allows players to choose a yardage that suits their skill level without adding unnecessary stress.

Color-Coded Tee Boxes

Here’s a quick breakdown of the common tee box colors and who they’re designed for:

Red Tees (Forward Tees): The shortest distance to the hole, typically recommended for women, juniors, seniors, and beginners.
White Tees (Middle Tees): The most common choice for amateur male golfers. These offer a moderate challenge ideal for players with mid-range skills.
Yellow/Gold Tees (Senior Tees): Often positioned slightly ahead for older players, these tees help maintain a fun and engaging game without overexertion.
Blue Tees (Back Tees): A step up in difficulty, suitable for experienced players seeking more of a challenge.
Black Tees (Championship Tees): Designed for professionals and low-handicap golfers, these tees represent the longest and most difficult starting points and are often featured in tournaments.

If you’d like to test your skills on a nationally recognized course, head over to River Landing and experience the Landing Course and River Course, where these tee box options accommodate all skill levels.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Tee Box

Selecting the right tee box involves more than just picking a color. It’s about understanding your skill set, personal goals, and even the types of challenges you want to face that day.

1. Skill Level and Handicap

Your handicap provides a solid indicator when deciding which tee to play. If you’re a newbie or have a high handicap, the red or white tees are a great place to start. For players with a lower handicap or significant driving distance, you may feel right at home with the blue or black tees.

2. Distance Off the Tee

Assess your average driving distance. Most courses, including River Landing, list yardages from each tee to the hole. For example:

Players driving 200 yards can opt for forward tees for a manageable game.
Those driving beyond 250 yards may enjoy the greater challenges from back tees.
To practice your yardage before a round, visit River Landing’s well-maintained practice facilities and driving ranges.

3. Time and Casual Play

If you’re short on time, opt for a closer tee box to make your round quicker and more enjoyable. Casual golfers may also find it fun to experiment with different tee boxes during a single round, giving them a better understanding of the course’s design.

The Benefits of Playing the Right Tee Box

Playing from the correct tee box ensures a smoother round, reduces frustration, and fosters a more enjoyable experience. Here at River Landing, we encourage participants to “tee it forward,” a philosophy that enhances pace of play and decreases the chance of overestimating your abilities.

Additionally, selecting the right starting position helps you practice smarter, focus on your short game, and improve performance over time. Plus, fewer lost balls mean fewer headaches!

Tee Box Distance and Course Design

River Landing’s two championship courses showcase the mastery of renowned architect Clyde Johnston. With tee boxes strategically placed across both the River Course and the Landing Course, golfers enjoy unique perspectives of the stunning coastal plains. Tree-lined fairways, carefully designed bunkers, and picturesque lakes add to the challenge and beauty of these courses.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try out the exclusive par-3 courses. These layouts are perfect for beginners or anyone working on precision and short-game skills.

Tips for Beginners on Choosing a Tee Box

Starting out? Here’s how to make your first rounds as fun and stress-free as possible:

Start from the Forward Tees
The red tees are a favorite for beginners. They allow you to focus on swing mechanics without feeling overwhelmed by long holes.
Play a Practice Round
Use your first visit to test various tee boxes. This helps identify the yardage that best suits your skill level.
Bring a Friend for Guidance
Golf is always better with company, and an experienced friend can suggest practical tee box options. You can also ask River Landing’s friendly staff for advice on your game.

Enhance Your Golfing Experience with Stay & Play Packages

Planning to visit River Landing? Take the experience to the next level by booking a Stay & Play golf package. These packages combine access to the courses, luxury accommodations in our cottages or club suites, and dining options at River Landing’s clubhouse or local favorites like Mad Boar Pub.

Package Highlights:

Incredible access to the River and Landing Courses
Comfortable on-site lodging
Complimentary breakfast options
Perfect for couples, groups, or solo escapes

Golf packages take the hassle out of planning so you can focus on enjoying world-class golfing in a serene environment.

Beyond the Greens: Amenities at River Landing

River Landing isn’t just about golf; it’s a lifestyle. Between rounds, take advantage of an array of amenities including:

Heated outdoor pools and wellness centers
Indoor and outdoor pickleball courts
Beautiful walking trails along the Northeast Cape Fear River
Social events ranging from themed dinners to holiday celebrations

Whether you’re part of our community or visiting for the day, there’s no shortage of activities to complement your time on the course.

Find Your Perfect Tee Box at River Landing

At the heart of every memorable round of golf is the right starting point. With exceptional courses, tee box options for every skill level, and an inviting atmosphere, River Landing sets the standard for golf in North Carolina.

Are you ready to play your best round yet? Schedule your tee time or plan your stay today: