Maximizing Your Game: The Importance of Proper Tee Selection at Erin Hills

By: Josh Sens
Published: May 29, 2025

The U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills, set against the picturesque backdrop of central Wisconsin, brings competitors from around the globe to a course renowned for its challenge and beauty. As players tee off this week, it’s noteworthy that they all compete from the same set of tees, yet, when the course reopens to the public in early June, a wide array of tee options will await golfing enthusiasts. With six distinct sets of tees ranging from 5,061 to 7,715 yards, golfers will need to carefully consider their choices. This decision isn’t trivial and can significantly influence their performance and enjoyment of the game.

The Consequences of Tee Misalignment

Despite the variety of options, many golfers choose their tee boxes based on distance rather than their skill level. A recent 2023 survey conducted among 700 PGA and LPGA professionals revealed a sobering statistic: 92% of respondents indicated that it is "extremely common" or "somewhat common" for golfers to underestimate their abilities and play from distances that are too long. The data is stark; around 75% of female golfers and 50% of male golfers often select tees that exceed their capabilities.

The ramifications of inappropriate tee selection are far-reaching. Attacking a course from an unsuitable distance often leads to inflated scores and sluggish pace of play, resulting in frustration rather than enjoyment. Golf should be a source of pleasure, but for many, it feels more like a punishment when they overestimate their distance abilities.

Erin Hills: Leading the Way in Tee Selection

To combat the trend of improper tee selection, Erin Hills implemented a data-driven tee-selection system beginning in 2022. This innovative approach guides golfers toward the appropriate tees based on their playing abilities. Clear signs in the starter’s shack alongside the course provide straightforward recommendations: the ideal tee box should correlate with the distance a golfer can hit their 7-iron. For reference, an average male golfer typically hits their 7-iron about 138 yards and should consider playing from around 6,100 yards, while an average female golfer hits it approximately 100 yards, suggesting a distance closer to 4,400 yards.

The Research Behind the System

This forward-thinking tee selection system isn’t unique to Erin Hills; it stems from years of research by the USGA and R&A. These organizations have analyzed hitting-distance data, scores from the World Handicap System, and even conducted surveys regarding golfer preferences. Collaborating with associations like the American Society of Golf Course Architects and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, they formed a comprehensive system to optimize the golfing experience.

The primary rationale for using the 7-iron as a benchmark is its universal familiarity among golfers. Most players have a reliable understanding of their hitting distance with this club, making it an effective reference point for tee selection.

Implementing Recommendations for Best Results

After rolling out the intermediate tee system in 2022, Erin Hills quickly became one of its foremost proponents. Since then, they have noted improvements in pace of play and overall satisfaction among players, although many still disregard the recommended distances in favor of longer tees. It’s crucial to understand that these guidelines are recommendations and not requirements, leading some golfers to cling onto their misguided notions about distance.

When it comes to making effective tee choices, familiarity with the USGA’s guidelines is essential. They provide a structured approach, yet they remain flexible to cater to the unique attributes of individual golfers.

The Advantages of Playing from the Proper Tees

Playing from the right tees isn’t just about avoiding inflated scores; it also enhances the overall enjoyment of the game. Golfing from lengths that align better with one’s skills can lead to lower scores, quicker rounds, and increased engagement. Streaming together good shots that lead to pars and birdies can turn what might feel like a chore into a gratifying experience.

Proper tee selection promotes a sustainable golfing environment. By allowing golfers to play from appropriate distances, courses can enhance pace of play, leading to fewer backups and a more pleasurable outing for everyone involved.

Enhancing Your Skill Set Through Tee Selection

Moreover, choosing the correct tees can serve as an excellent developmental tool for golfers of all skill levels. Beginners may find that playing from shorter distances helps build confidence and improve their enjoyment of the game, while more advanced players can maintain their competitive edge by hitting strategic approaches from angles that suit their strengths.

At Erin Hills, for instance, the array of tees allows golfers to challenge themselves effectively. Experienced players can test their abilities from longer sets while newer golfers can find a setting that allows them to hit solid shots and enjoy their round without overwhelming themselves.

Golf Course Design as a Tool for Improvement

The ongoing evolution of golf course design to support strategic play is an encouraging trend. Facilities like Erin Hills, which embrace data-driven systems for tee selection, position themselves as leaders in this movement. By focusing on player ability and optimizing the golfing experience, they help pave the way for a new generation of golfers who value themselves through their abilities rather than boasting about their distance.

Additionally, adherence to a simple guideline like the 7-iron approach can serve as a baseline for all players. This adaptability makes the system not only pragmatic but also accessible to a wide audience of golfers.

Conclusion: The Path Forward for Golfers

For golfers of every level, embracing proper tee selection minimizes frustration and fosters improvements in both pace and performance. As Erin Hills gears up to welcome back players this June, it will also usher in a new era of golfing where everyone from amateurs to seasoned players can refine their game and passion for the sport.

Ultimately, golf is about the joy of the game, and selecting the right tees is an integral part of that experience. With courses equipped to guide selections, the path to lower scores and a more enjoyable round awaits every golfer willing to heed the advice of experts and play smart.

Whether you are preparing for a round at Erin Hills or any golf course, remember: the best choice of tee is one that aligns with your skills—making every swing count towards a fulfilling day on the links.