Which Color Tee Box Should Beginners Play From? (Tee Color Guide Q&A)
When stepping onto the first tee box, new golfers are often confused by the rows of colored yardage markers set in the grass. You might ask: What do the red, white, blue, and gold tee boxes mean, and which color should a beginner play from?
Here is the direct, simple breakdown of golf course tee colors, along with how choosing the correct yardage transforms your family’s golf experience.
Q: What do the different tee box colors mean in golf?
A: Tee box colors indicate the total playing distance of the golf course.
Every golf course sets up multiple starting points on each hole to accommodate different skill levels and driving distances. The farther back the tee box is placed from the green, the longer and more difficult the hole becomes! While courses can choose custom colors, traditional yardage markers follow a standard hierarchy from front to back. (To learn how to peg your ball correctly on the tee box, read our Ultimate Beginner Golf Tee Guide).
Q: Which color tee box should a beginner golfer play from?
A: Beginners should always play from the most forward tees (usually Red, Green, or Orange).
Playing from the forward tees reduces the total yardage of the course by 1,000 to 1,500 yards! This ensures that beginners can reach greens in regulation without needing professional swing speed. Starting on the forward tees eliminates frustration, speeds up pace of play for everyone behind you, and helps you learn how to score! (For more advice on keeping a brisk pace, read our First-Time Course Etiquette Guide).
Q: How does our family choose our tee boxes during a round?
A: We play from three different tee boxes so we can all enjoy competitive, fast-paced golf together!
During our weekend family rounds, we never tee off from the same spot! Our daughter plays from the forward junior markers (Green/Orange), my wife plays from the forward red tees, and I play from the white tees. Playing from customized yardages removes intimidation and allows our entire family to reach the fairways and putts together!
Tee Box Color Hierarchy & Beginner Guide
| Tee Box Color | Who Should Play From This Tee | Average Driving Distance Required |
|---|---|---|
| Red / Green / Orange | Beginners, Juniors, and High-Handicappers | Drives under 200 yards |
| White / Silver | Intermediate & Weekend Recreational Golfers | Drives between 200 – 240 yards |
| Blue / Black | Advanced, Low-Handicap & Scratch Golfers | Drives over 250 yards |
| Gold / Black (Tips) | Professional Tour Players & College Athletes | Drives 280+ yards with elite accuracy |