Best Tees For All
I’ve championed strategic tee placement principles for more than a decade, implementing evidence-based course setup solutions long before they became formalised through industry frameworks. The Murrumbidgee Green Course, opened in 2012, demonstrates these foundational principles in action - proving their effectiveness years before USGA Best Tees emerged as recognised best practice.
This pioneering work established that appropriate tee positioning transforms golf experiences across diverse player groups whilst supporting club sustainability. What began as innovative problem-solving has evolved into validated methodology now embraced throughout the global golf architecture community.
The USGA Best Tees initiative provides evidence-based guidelines for strategic golf course design, ensuring appropriate tee placement for players of all abilities. This systematic approach to course setup addresses the critical participation challenges facing modern golf.
“A set of tees is a good fit for a golfer’s ability when it allows them to comfortably reach the fairway on par 4s and par 5s, reach the vicinity of most greens in regulation, and allows them to hit a variety of clubs on their approach shots.”
USGA Best Tees
The USGA Best Tees initiative addresses a critical participation issue: 75% of female and 50% of male golfers play from tees that are too long for their ability, negatively impacting enjoyment and pace of play.
This evidence-based system uses 7-iron distance to recommend appropriate course lengths - 4,000 metres for average female golfers and 5,600 metres for average male golfers. Optimal tee positioning at 3,300, 4,000, 4,750, 5,500, and 6,200 metres with 400-metre intervals accommodates 95% of golfers.
The initiative provides architects and operators with an objective framework for course setup that maximises participation and enhances golfer satisfaction. Forward-thinking clubs can implement evidence-based tee positioning that supports community engagement and sustainable golf operations.
A Sustainable Approach to Course Design
Strategic tee placement delivers sustainability outcomes across three critical dimensions:
Environmental Sustainability
Reduced turf maintenance requirements through optimised tee positioning
Lower water and chemical inputs on appropriately sized tee complexes
Minimised environmental footprint whilst maintaining playing quality
Environmental Responsibility
In May 2025, the world’s leading golf course architecture associations - including SAGCA, EIGCA, and ASGCA - signed a joint pledge committing to nature-based solutions, resource-efficient approaches, and community-focused design. As a SAGCA member, I’m committed to these principles, implementing thoughtful designs that showcase golf’s positive contributions to nature and society whilst creating enjoyable playing experiences for all golfers.
Signing the joint pledge from SAGCA, EIGCA, and ASGCA in Scotland, May 2025. The global architecture community committed to nature-based solutions, resource efficiency, and community-focused design - principles central to my strategic course setup approach.
Economic Sustainability
Improved member retention through better playing experiences
Increased participation rates supporting stable revenue streams
Enhanced ability to secure government and grant funding for course improvements
Reduced operational costs through efficient course setup
Social Sustainability
Inclusive design attracting diverse, resilient membership base
Multigenerational appeal supporting long-term community engagement
Gender equity creating welcoming club culture
Accessibility for players of varying abilities strengthening community connections
These interconnected sustainability outcomes help clubs adapt to modern playing patterns, boost participation levels, aid pace of play, and increase enjoyment - creating golf experiences that endure.
Strategic Analysis in Practice
Strategic tee placement analysis for Springwood Country Club contributed to a successful NSW Office of Sport grant application. The proposal for 17 strategically positioned forward tees demonstrates how evidence-based design principles support funding applications whilst creating ‘a more inclusive and enjoyable golfing experience’ for players of all abilities.
Contemporary Best Practice
Strategic tee placement at Lost Farm by Bill Coore demonstrates contemporary best practice - multiple tee options provide appropriate challenges for different player abilities whilst preserving the hole’s strategic integrity. This approach aligns with the principles Lyne Morrison works with.
Pioneering Implementation
At Murrumbidgee Country Club, implementing strategic tee placement transformed participation:
Grew from fewer than 10 players to 60+ regular participants
40% female participation in weekly competitions
Attracted diverse players: seniors, juniors, families, and people with disabilities
Became venue for ACT Open Short Course Championship
Competition fields now regularly at capacity in 2025
The Murrumbidgee Green Course, design by Lyne Morrison opened in 2012, pioneering strategic course setup principles now formalised through the USGA Best Tees model. Participation grew from 10 to 70+ regular players in weekly competitions, demonstrating measurable impact of evidence-based tee placement.
‘Still a challenge but with the chance of a good score’
Murrumbidgee Member
Strategic Course Setup for Modern Golf
Evidence-based tee placement creates better golf for everyone - from recreational players to accomplished competitors, from club committees seeking sustainable solutions to funding bodies prioritising inclusive sport.
These principles work because they’re grounded in data, proven through implementation, and aligned with how diverse golfers actually play the game.