The PGA Championship began yesterday at Hazeltine C.C. in Chaska Minnesota, playing to a length of 7,685 yards. This makes this PGA Championship a historic event in that the PGA TOUR pros will be playing the longest course in the history of Major tournaments. It also is historic for our family in that D.J. hit the first shot off #1 at 8:15.
I decided to use this historic super length course for the PGA Championship to discuss the common sense of golfers playing the appropriate tees for their skill level, shot length and of course, AGE. The pros have no choice as to what tees they play on Tour. They basically know that for the last 5 or so years, when they tee it up, it will be a lot like John Daly's book, Grip it and Rip It. And Hazeltine will certainly take that title to limit.
The sad thing about this 'super sizing length,' just like 'super sizing your lunch order,' is that not everyone can truly compete and complete the deal. Super length courses realistically remove, or at least handcuff, many players who do not have the physical size and or strength to play 'Bomb it Golf.' To play 'Long Ball Golf' also takes strength and endurance when you have to do it for basically all 18 holes. So, even the 'Bombers' will have to watch their stamina and endurance. The last sad point is that this longer course setup has realistically eliminated many real good shorter hitters who rely on accuracy and deadly short games to compete.
But what about the rest of us who play daily at our local courses? We have a choice of tees! And since the best part of golf is that, no matter what level of players you play with, we have the handicap system to equalize us out. Let us not forget that we also have different tee lengths to also level the playing field.
Since you probably play for relaxation, fitness, enjoyment and being in the great outdoors with friends, the ultimate reward to a round well played is to play to your expected skill level and feel good about your game. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to play the correct set of tees in regard to your length, strength and playing ability.
I have seen players goaded and teased by their playing partners into playing tees way to long for their skill level and age. That is no fun and gives no enjoyment to playing the round. What is the big deal of the better players teeing off one tee and the other players moving up a tee box or two to play the length that fits their game.
I am now a senior and at many courses I play (when not in tournaments) I will play a mix of tees to keep the course around 6800 yards. That means I play some of the really long par 4's and 3's from the back of the member tees and the shorter ones from the front of the championship tees. I recently played a tournament at a course that actually had a setup length 'combo tee' course listed on their score card with a rating.
A mixed course could be setup for any skill and age level and sex for that matter. Lower handicap ladies and juniors could mix the ladies and senior tees. Senior men with low handicaps and adequate length could mix the senior and member tees. The key is golf is suppose to be fun and fulfilling in that we play and shoot scores that make us feel good and that we are playing to our potential. Golf is not supposed to be punishing and demoralizing for those playing for enjoyment, relaxation and exercise. Maybe not even for those playing it for their living.
But either way, when not in competition, play the right color tees or combo tees that fit your skill and age. You'll feel better, enjoy it more, and likely hit it better because you are playing within yourself.
The Surge!