What are Split Tees in Golf

In the world of golf, the concept of “split tees” is an essential aspect of tournament organization and pace of play. Split tees are a logistical arrangement used primarily in multi-round golf tournaments, ensuring efficient and timely play for all participants. In this article, we’ll delve into what split tees are, why they are used, and how they impact the flow of a golf tournament.

Definition of Split Tees

Split tees refer to the practice of starting golfers on both the front and back nines of a golf course simultaneously during a tournament round. In other words, instead of having all golfers tee off from the first hole sequentially, half the field starts from the first tee, while the other half starts from the tenth tee. This division helps speed up the start of play and minimizes delays.

Purpose of Split Tees

1. Efficiency: The primary purpose of split tees is to improve the pace of play. By having golfers tee off from two different starting points on the course, organizers can reduce the time it takes for everyone to begin their round. This is especially crucial in professional tournaments with large fields, where a delayed start can lead to extended rounds and scheduling conflicts.
2. Avoiding Congestion: Split tees help distribute golfers more evenly across the course. Without split tees, everyone teeing off from the first hole could create a bottleneck, leading to slower play and frustration among participants.
3. Maximizing Course Availability: Some golf courses have limited availability due to factors like daylight and maintenance schedules. Split tees allow organizers to make the most of available tee times and ensure that a tournament can be completed within a reasonable timeframe.

How Split Tees Work

1. Group Division: Organizers divide the tournament field into two groups, usually based on starting times or player pairings. The first group starts from the first tee, while the second group starts from the tenth tee.
2. Simultaneous Start: Both groups start their rounds simultaneously, which means that the tournament progresses from two separate points on the course.
3. Turnaround: Golfers from the first group will make the turn at the ninth hole and continue to play the back nine, while those from the second group will finish their rounds at the ninth hole and proceed to play the front nine.

Advantages of Split Tees

1. Faster Play: By reducing the time it takes for everyone to begin their round, split tees help maintain a consistent pace of play throughout the day.
2. Less Course Congestion: Splitting the field minimizes the congestion on the first tee, allowing for smoother play and shorter wait times.
3. Improved Tournament Scheduling: Tournament organizers can better manage the timing of rounds, ensuring that they fit within the allotted time frame.

While split tees are a common practice in golf tournaments, they require some specific preparation and adjustment for both golfers and tournament organizers.

Golfer Preparation:

1. Arrival Time: Golfers need to arrive at the course with sufficient time before their designated tee time. It’s essential to know which tee they’ll be starting from, as well as their pairing or group assignment.
2. Warm-up Routine: Golfers must adapt their warm-up routine to accommodate the split tee format. If starting from the first tee, they might warm up on the range and putting green closer to that area. If starting from the tenth tee, they’ll focus their warm-up on the back-nine facilities.
3. Course Knowledge: Understanding the course layout and its unique challenges is crucial. Golfers should review course maps, hole descriptions, and any specific instructions related to the split tee start provided by the tournament organizers.
4. Mental Preparation: Golfers should mentally prepare for the possibility of encountering other groups at the turn, especially if they start from the back nine. Maintaining focus and composure is essential when dealing with different paces of play.

Tournament Organizers’ Responsibilities:

1. Communication: Organizers must clearly communicate the split tee schedule, starting times, and any specific rules or procedures related to the format. This information should be made available to participants well in advance of the tournament.
2. Starter Management: Ensuring a smooth start is vital. Tournament starters play a crucial role in coordinating tee times, making announcements, and helping golfers understand the sequence of play.
3. Marshaling: Marshals should be strategically placed on the course to monitor the pace of play, especially at the turn where groups from different tees might converge. Their role is to keep play moving smoothly and address any pace of play issues promptly.
4. Scoring and Leaderboards: Organizers need to have a system in place to accurately record scores, especially when golfers start from different tees. Digital scoring apps or traditional scorecards must be organized efficiently.

Split Tees in Golf

Tee Type	Definition	Advantage	Disadvantage	Common Usage
Traditional	A standard tee box	Provides consistent start	Limited flexibility	Most common format
Shotgun	Multiple tees at once	Efficient for large groups	Limited course coverage	Tournaments and events
Modified	Altered tee positions	Adjusts for varying skill	Potential confusion	Tailored course layouts
Double Tees	Two tee boxes per hole	Increased pace of play	Limited tee time options	Busy courses
Reverse Tee	Teeing off from green	Unique challenge	Risk of damaging greens	Special events and tests

Split Tees in Golf Courses

Course Name	Location	Split Tee Options	Notable Tournaments	Course Features
Green Valley GC	California, USA	Traditional, Shotgun, Modified	PGA Tour Championship	Scenic views, challenging layouts
Pine Hills GC	Florida, USA	Traditional, Double Tees	Masters Invitational	Well-maintained fairways, waterways
Royal Golf Club	England, UK	Traditional, Reverse Tee	British Open	Historic architecture, lush greens
Lakeside Resort	Canada	Modified, Double Tees	Canadian Open	Lakeside views, diverse terrain
Mountain Ridge	Colorado, USA	Shotgun, Modified, Double Tees	U.S. Open	Elevation changes, strategic bunkers

Split Tees in Golf Etiquette

Situation	Proper Etiquette	Common Mistakes	Significance	How to Address Mistakes
Late Arrival	Inform the course staff about the delay and wait for the appropriate time	Teeing off without notifying anyone	Maintains pace of play, respects others	Apologize and adjust pace
Tee Selection	Choose tee based on skill level and course guidelines	Selecting inappropriate tee for skill level	Ensures fair competition, speeds up play	Seek guidance, switch tees if needed
Tee Time Coordination	Coordinate with fellow players to avoid overlapping tee times	Arriving late and disrupting scheduled tee times	Ensures smooth flow of play	Communicate and plan ahead
Player Rotation on Split Tees	Follow the designated rotation order for teeing off	Playing out of turn or out of sequence	Fairness in gameplay, avoids confusion	Pay attention to rotation order
Tee Box Maintenance	Repair divots, replace divot plugs, and ensure tee markers are intact	Neglecting tee box care	Preserves course conditions, aesthetics	Carry divot repair tools, be mindful

Split Tees and Pace of Play

Tee Configuration	Impact on Pace of Play	Strategies to Maintain Pace	Common Issues	Solutions
Shotgun Starts	Efficient for large groups	Clear communication, organized flow	Overcrowding, confusion	Proper organization, marshaling
Modified Tees	Adjusts for varying skill levels	Player education, tee time intervals	Skill mismatch, slow play	Assess player skills, adjust tee times
Double Tees	Increases pace with more tee options	Smaller groups, staggered starts	Tee time conflicts, slow players	Encourage smaller groups, manage gaps
Reverse Tees	Provides a unique challenge	Clear instructions, course layout	Confusion, delays	Pre-game briefings, signage
Rotational Play	Ensures fair rotation among players	Monitor rotations, maintain order	Disruptions, disputes	Clear rules, attentive marshals

Conclusion

Split tees are a vital component of golf tournaments, particularly those with a large number of participants. They facilitate efficient play, prevent course congestion, and help maintain a smooth schedule. Understanding the purpose and mechanics of split tees is essential for both golfers and organizers to ensure a successful and enjoyable tournament experience.