There are a number of other considerations that need to be addressed if the program is to gain momentum and become a fixture at all golf courses. The primary one is how to deal with the pride and ego that golfers bring to their game. Very few golfers actually know what their average distance is off a tee. When asked, most players often state a figure much larger that the fact.
As we age, most of us are reluctant to acknowledge that we are losing strength and think if we have always played off the tips, that is where we should continue to play. The changing of this mindset will be one of the biggest challenges for the TEE IT FORWARD idea.
Another obstacle is that many golf courses are not set up for a variety of forward tees. This will necessitate many new sets of tees being built. As well as the revamping of the actual teeing ground, consideration must be given to changing the markers from a color situation to a yardage one from the middle of a green marker. These markers can then be suggested based on handicap, slope, and accuracy of the players.
It is hoped that the ultimate goal of the American PGA and the United States Golf Association is enjoyment of the game. If this program is just based on speeding up play though, it may not succeed. The number of strokes taken on each hole does not necessarily create slow play. Players not being ready to play when it is their turn can contribute to it. Carts that are not allowed on fairways slow up play when players have to walk back and forth to the cart. Another contributing factor to slow play is a lack of accuracy of the golfer. A slow player can also cause it. Some golfers are just exceptionally slow.
Hopefully at least for the period of July 5 to 17, all golfers will give the TEE IT FORWARD program a fair trial.
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