OPTIONAL TEES

IESGA is introducing an Optional Tees choice for players in 2024. Any player can elect to play from the forward tees or the standard A, B, C flight tees in the D flight. They can make this selection on a tournament-by-tournament basis. A player does not have to play the same tees in every tournament.

How IESGA Flights are Determined

The IESGA Handicap Indexes (HI) (average of the 3 lowest handicap indexes for the last 5 IESGA rounds x .96) for all players in each tournament are ranked from low to high and then divided into 4 equal groups (Flights). The A, B & C flights play the ‘Standard Tees’, typically the white tees. The D flights plays the forward tees, typically the gold or red tees. 

Playing the Forward Tees Option

Any player in any tournament can elect to play the forward tees in any flight. A player that is in the A, B or C flight and elects to play the forward tees will have their Course Handicap (CH) adjusted for the forward tees.

Examples: Indian Canyon 

HI   Flight Tees   CH Tees  CH Difference

10.4   A    White    8   Red    5    Loses 3 strokes

15.2   B    White   13   Red    9    Loses 4 strokes

21.0   C    White   19   Red   15    Loses 4 strokes

Examples: Circling Raven

HI   Flight Tees   CH Tees     CH Difference

10.4   A    White   10   Green    4  Loses 6 strokes

15.2   B    White    15   Green    9  Loses 6 strokes

21.0   C    White    22  Green   14  Loses 8 strokes

A player in the A, B or C flight that opts to play the forward tees is allowed to enter the Net Skin and Deuce Pot and is eligible for the low Net Score for that flight. The player is ineligible to enter the Gross Skin and Honey Pot. The player is also not allowed to win KP for that flight or the Gross Club Championship for that flight. 

Why Play the Forward Tees

The major reason is to have a more enjoyable experience. The difference between the Standard tees and the Forward tees can be substantial. Example: Circling Raven White tees 6,108 yds. Green tees 5,389 yds. The Green tees also eliminate many forced carries. Yes, the player loses strokes, but their final score may be lower overall and they enjoyed the round more.

Playing Standard A, B, C Flight Tees in the D Flight

A player in the D flight can opt to play the Standard tees (typically White tees) in the D flight. Their Course Handicap will be adjusted to the Standard tees.

Examples: Indian Canyon 

HI    Flight Tees   CH   Tees    CH Difference

23.0   D       Red    17     White   21  Gains 4 strokes

Examples: Esmeralda

HI    Flight Tees   CH   Tees    CH Difference

23.0   D       Gold   18    White   21  Gains 3 strokes

A player that opts to play the Standard tees in the D flight is eligible to enter ALL side games, KPs and the Club Championship for the D flight.

Why Play the Standard A, B, C Flight Tees in the D Flight

If a player is the D flight can drive the ball 200 plus yards this may put them into trouble off the Forward tees whereas they avoid traps, hazards, etc. from the Standard tees.

email any questions or comments to John Hanke (john_hanke@msn.com