If you’ve ever stood on the first tee at Tidewater Golf Club and debated which set of tees to play from, you’re not alone. With one of the most scenic and challenging layouts on the Grand Strand, Tidewater is a course that rewards smart decisions—and one of the smartest decisions any golfer can make is playing from the correct yardage.
Recently, a review on our course perfectly captured this sentiment:
“This was the first time we played 18 holes in 4 hrs 15 mins. There is no reason to be on the course longer as long as each group plays the correct tees. The ball doesn’t carry and the course is difficult if you play the wrong tees. I would like to see signage that recommends what tees players should be playing. White tees should be recommended for 15 and under handicap. Too many high handicap players try and play white tees when they should be playing green tees.”
This review highlights something that many experienced players know, but that often gets overlooked: playing from the proper tees isn’t just about personal performance—it’s about pace of play, course enjoyment, and respecting the game.
Why Tee Selection Matters at Tidewater
Tidewater isn’t your average resort course. It’s a championship-caliber track that stretches to over 7,000 yards from the back tees and features elevation changes, forced carries, and ocean breezes that make club selection—and yardage—critically important.
It’s also a course where precision trumps power. That means the challenge ramps up significantly for players who choose to play from yardages that don’t align with their skill level or driving distance. When players move back a set of tees in the hopes of a “better experience” or just to challenge themselves, they often find themselves hitting longer irons into firm, guarded greens—and losing strokes (and golf balls) along the way.
The Impact on Pace of Play
We take pride in offering a world-class golf experience, and that includes keeping rounds moving. Our goal is to provide enjoyable rounds that finish in four and a half hours or less. And when players choose the appropriate tee box, that’s not just possible—it’s expected.
The reviewer above said it best: “There is no reason to be on the course longer as long as each group plays the correct tees.”
Pace of play isn’t just about how fast you walk or how quickly you line up a putt. It’s also about how well the yardage you’re playing matches your game. If you’re consistently hitting fairway woods or hybrids into par 4s—or coming up 30 yards short on every par 3—it’s a sign you’re playing from too far back. And that slows you down and everyone else behind you.
A Quick Guide to Tidewater’s Tees
To help you make the best decision for your game, here’s a quick look at our tee options:
-
Championship (Black) – 7,044 yards
For scratch and single-digit handicaps only. -
Blue – 6,771 yards
Ideal for strong, consistent players with low double-digit handicaps. -
White – 6,323 yards
Recommended for handicaps of 10–15. -
Green – 5,697 yards
Recommended for handicaps 16–25 or players who hit their drives less than 220 yards. -
Red (Forward) – 4,923 yards
Great for beginners, juniors, and players who prefer a more relaxed yardage.
At Tidewater, we encourage all players to choose tees based on carry distance, not just ego or past experience. In fact, a great rule of thumb is this: take your average drive and multiply it by 28. If your average drive is 200 yards, then you should be playing a course around 5,600 yards—making our Green Tees a perfect fit.
Confidence = Better Golf
One of the most enjoyable aspects of playing golf is walking off the course knowing you played well. And one of the biggest contributors to that is setting yourself up for success—starting with the right yardage.
Choosing a tee that allows you to reach greens in regulation, avoid long forced carries, and use shorter clubs into par 3s can make a major difference in your scorecard and your mood. You’ll spend less time hunting for balls and more time enjoying the beautiful surroundings Tidewater is famous for.
Our course runs through a unique natural landscape with holes bordering the Cherry Grove marsh, with views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. You’re here to enjoy every moment—and we believe playing the right tees helps make that possible.
Our Commitment to a Better Experience
We’re currently exploring options to improve on-course signage and provide more tee selection guidance—just like the reviewer suggested. Our team is also trained to help you choose the right tees before you even hit your first shot. If you’re not sure which yardage is right for your group, simply ask one of our team members in the Golf Shop or at the Starter’s Shack—we’re happy to help.
We also encourage group leaders and traveling golf packagers to help guide their players to the right yardage. Whether you’re playing in a buddies trip, a charity event, or a friendly scramble, the right tee selection makes for a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Golf is a game of decisions. Club selection, strategy, shot shape—but one of the most important decisions you can make happens before you even take a swing.
Playing from the right tees isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of wisdom. It means you understand your game, you respect your fellow golfers, and you’re here to enjoy the experience, not just survive the round.
So next time you tee it up at Tidewater, take a minute to consider your yardage. Your scorecard—and your playing partners—will thank you.
Tidewater Golf Club | North Myrtle Beach, SC
Play smart. Play with pride. And always choose the tee that lets your game shine.
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