Golf Tee Box Positioning Course Management

There is only one goal when it comes to the desired landing area off the tee box. We all like to land the ball in the middle of the fairway or as close to the pin as possible on the par threes, but sometimes this task seems difficult to accomplish. Playing for the middle of the fairway or green could make the golf hole a little longer than we would like on some golf holes. However, playing and positioning yourself in the right area of the tee box may help you shorten the golf hole and avoid certain hazards on the golf course.

Next time you step on to the tee box, look down the fairway and take all golf conditions and the sloping fairway into consideration before placing your tee and golf ball into the ground. Check to see if there is any crosswind and what direction it is heading. Also, check to see which direction the fairway or green is sloping. When both are heading in the same direction, you may want to use a certain side of the tee box to your advantage, depending on which way you want the ball to maneuver. This sometimes can be confusing in choosing to aim left, right, or center of the tee box when thinking about your desired placement on the teeing area.

Stepping into the correct position on the tee box not only accounts on whether there is a crosswind and or a sloping fairway and green. You must determine on how high your odds are in hooking, fading or slicing the golf ball, unless you know how to hit the ball straight consistently. Also, is the golf hole straight away, dogleg right or left? You may have to determine the right golf club for distance, especially if the position on the tee box you choose will take you closer to the hazards that golfers seem to forget about or overlook. Teeing areas are not always level. Is the position you choose on the tee box going to place the golf ball higher or lower in your stance? When the golf ball is higher or lower in your stance, it could change the direction you want to aim with not much choice on your part. A golf ball higher in your stance will tend to go left and right if the ball is lower in you stance for right handed hitters.

A good example of positioning yourself in the correct position on the tee box would be a sand trap or a water hazard to the right of you. You may want to choose the right side of the tee box and aim left, if there were a smaller or no hazard in this direction. Just keep in mind, a hazard is a hazard and it is a matter of which hazard will not bring other hazards into play, if you end up in one or the other! Staying away from water on the right and ending up in a sand trap to the left could be a nightmare for some, especially if you have to hit the golf ball back towards the water when the pin is located in this direction.

This may all seem a little confusing to say the least, but with careful thought before teeing up the golf ball, will make a big difference on your next golf shot to the green or pin. Choosing the correct position on the tee box is your only chance in taking advantage of playing the ball with your preferred lie. It is all part of golf course management which will lower your golf handicap and demand self golf discipline, which in turn makes better golf players.