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Golfers Want More Forward Tees. New Data Shows Why Courses Can’t Stop There.

Earlier this year, I wrote about how golfers can figure out which tees they should play, including when it might make sense to move forward and use 7-iron distance to determine which tee box to play from. So when I…

Published: Thursday, 1 October 2026 at 11:03 AM
Golfers Want More Forward Tees. New Data Shows Why Courses Can’t Stop There.
Key Things to Know
  • Over 70 percent of golf course owners agree facilities need more forward tees according to the NGCOA's 2026 report.
  • Only 11 percent of course owners rated adding longer tee options as very important.
  • NGCOA CEO Jay Karen warned against treating forward tees as afterthoughts by merely placing markers in fairways.
The Story in 60 Seconds

The National Golf Course Owners Association's 2026 Golf Business Pulse Report shows surging demand for shorter course options, with over 70 percent of owners agreeing courses need more forward tees. NGCOA president and CEO Jay Karen emphasized that simply adding markers is not enough, advocating for properly constructed tee boxes, combo tees, and better on-site guidance for players.

Karen highlighted that forward tees should not be an afterthought or viewed merely as concessions for aging players, but rather as options to enhance variety and enjoyment. He also stressed the importance of facilities helping golfers select appropriate yardages based on realistic club distances, such as 7-iron carry, rather than driver ego.

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