Smart Tee Shot Strategy: How to Set Up Every Hole Correctly
The tee shot is the most important shot on every hole. It determines everything that follows. A well-placed tee shot opens up the hole and gives you options. A poor tee shot closes down your options and forces difficult decisions. The golfer who consistently makes good tee shot decisions will score better than the golfer who hits the ball further but less accurately.
Key Takeaways
- •The tee shot sets up the entire hole -- it is the most important decision on every par.
- •Tee up on the same side as the trouble and aim away from it.
- •Aim for the fat part of the fairway, not the ideal line.
- •Take one more club than you think you need on par 3s.
Choosing the right club off the tee
The driver is not always the right club off the tee. On short par 4s, a fairway wood or long iron may leave you a better approach angle. On tight holes, a club that keeps the ball in play is worth more than a club that goes further. Ask yourself: what is the ideal distance from which to play my second shot on this hole? Then choose the club that gives you the best chance of reaching that distance.
Using the full width of the tee box
Most golfers tee up in the middle of the tee box without thinking about it. But teeing up on the right side of the tee box opens up the left side of the fairway, and vice versa. If the trouble is on the right, tee up on the right side and aim left. This gives you the maximum angle away from the trouble.
Playing to the fat part of the fairway
Every fairway has a fat part -- the widest, most forgiving landing area. Identify it before you tee up and aim for it. This is not always the centre of the fairway. On a dogleg, the fat part is usually the outside of the bend. On a hole with a bunker on one side, the fat part is the opposite side.
Tee shot strategy on par 3s
On a par 3, the tee shot is the approach shot. The same principles apply: aim for the fat part of the green, away from the trouble. Club selection is critical -- most amateur golfers underclub on par 3s and miss the green short. Take one more club than you think you need.
How wind affects tee shot strategy
In a crosswind, aim into the wind and let the ball drift back to your target. This is more reliable than trying to hold the ball against the wind. In a headwind, take more club and swing easier. In a tailwind, take less club and be aware that the ball will run further after landing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I always use a driver on par 4s and par 5s?
No. Use the club that gives you the best chance of a good second shot. On short par 4s, a fairway wood may leave you a better distance. On tight holes, a long iron may keep you in play more reliably.
How do I decide which side of the tee box to use?
Identify where the main trouble is on the hole. Tee up on the same side as the trouble and aim away from it. This gives you the maximum angle away from the hazard.