The Recreation Centers of Sun City West’s Golf Operations Department, in conjunction with the USGA, will be implementing the “Best Tees” initiative this summer with the hopes to match golfers with their “Best Tees”.

The USGA has been studying distance in relation to the golfer’s experience for many years. Although industry professionals agree that golfers would have a better experience playing tees that match their ability, most golfers do not. This is confirmed by surveying golfers and through USGA research. When golfers play the Best Tees for their game, their pace of play and satisfaction improves, which results in happier golfers.

In cooperation with six industry associations (LPGA, PGA of America, American Society of Golf Course Architects, National Golf Course Owners Association, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, and the Golf Course Builders Association of America), the USGA has developed and is recommending this Best Tee system based on golfer preferences, the expert opinions of industry professionals, and extensive research into golfer performance characteristics across the full spectrum of players.

To implement a Best Tee program, facility managers should:

• Rate all tees for all players
• Avoid setup and presentation elements that discourage golfers from using certain tees
• Encourage golfers to accurately measure their average 7-iron hitting distance
• Make tee recommendations part of their course’s culture

Essentially, golfers play Best Tees when, if they hit a good shot on most holes, they are in the vicinity of the putting green and do not have to constantly use longer clubs on approach shots. This gives more opportunities for pars and some chances for a birdie.

Going forward, Sun City West Golf Operations will not require golfers to play from a certain tee box. Instead, staff will educate golfers that there may be a better tee box from which to play. For additional information, contact Golf Operations Manager Patrick O’Hara at patrick.ohara@suncitywest.com.

7-Iron Distance Charts

Below are charts for each Sun City West golf course that will help you make the right choice in terms of which tee you select.

Each chart can be enlarged by clicking on them.