By Design - Spring 2016

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18 | By Design
SCORING TEES
they really hit the ball. Take into account
the trajectory of their shots. Consider
the number and length of forced carries
and the locations of cross-hazards.
As for everyone, wind conditions and
firmness of ground impact playability.
Try to make the size of scoring tees
similar to the others on the course—at
Pelican’s Nest, the scoring tees are
at least 25 by 25 feet (to match the
turning radius of a triplex) so the golf
course superintendent can manage
them cost-effectively and time-effectively.
The scoring tees should blend
seamlessly with the existing contours
so they appear to have been part of
the original design. Scoring tees allow
more players to follow the USGA/PGA’s
encouragement to ‘tee it forward.’ We’ve
seen that once players experience better
scores because they can more often
reach the greens in regulation, they are
less interested in going back to a longer
course. Enthusiastic participation will
almost surely result in increased pace
of play and rounds played as well as in
greater satisfaction by the members.
What else would a club need
to consider?
It’s important to have club leaders
who believe in the concept because
they want members and guests to
have fun, and who have the passion
to implement the idea. If finances
do not permit creating scoring tees
for every hole, the club can begin
with a loop of a few holes that return
to the clubhouse or some such
convenient arrangement. Once you’ve
built scoring tees you need to have
programs and cheerleaders who will
use and promote the use of the tees.
With enthusiastic encouragement by
the club’s leadership, particularly the
golf pro, results can come quickly.
Clubs can adapt or devise their
own events for these tees and
provide added entertainment and
enjoyment for the members. At
Pelican’s Nest they schedule and
promote events from the scoring
tees that include all players such as
‘Five-iron Fridays.’ And on ‘Three-
club Thursdays’ you and your chums
go out with whatever three clubs you
want. How much fun is that?!•
For more on scoring tees, download
the PGA of America’s guidebook
Setting Up Golf Courses for Success
from . And for good
advice on introducing scoring tees at
your club, find an ASGCA member at
.
At the par-four 13th, the scoring tee placement means
players can avoid a forced carry over sand
The Scoring Course at Pelican’s Nest has its
own scorecard, emphasizing its status
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