Is there some kind of rule as whether a player should start on a different tee marker based on his handicap?

Question

Is there some kind of rule as whether a player should start on a different tee marker based on his handicap?

Answer 1

Definitely.  Perhaps not as official USGA rule, but I have seen plenty of golf courses' score cards which mentions which tee players should use based on their handicap.

The front tee (after the ladies tee), is for senior or beginner.

The middle tee is for 14 - 24 handicap

The back tee is for single digit handicap

And if there is a championship tee, it's reserved for tournaments.

It does not cease to amaze me that some people still hit from the back tee and make double and triple bogeys.  Sometimes does not even drive it past the ladies tee.  Always gives me a chuckle each time.

Answer 2

Many courses (high end ones that is) will have a starter who will ask your handicap, or even make you show your GHIN card and then indicate what tees you are to play from.  GREAT, FANTASTIC, AWESOME idea.  Having a high HC and being forced to carry a 200Y gorge is insane...  Step up to the whites and play - that is what the HC and COURSE HC allows you to do.  

Using the Course HC players can be competitive on the same course without having to play the same tees.

Answer 3

Most courses have Blue, white, gold and red tee markers which supposedly mark the difficulty. Blue or Black markers designate the long course( playing from the tips).The white markers designate the regular layout for the course and is played by most players. The gold were inserted to accomodate the senior members which many seniors will not use because they still feel they are competitive from the whites. The red tee markers are assigned to the ladies" tee boxes"  and are usually in front of all the other tee markers.There is no rule requiring certain handicap players to use certain tee boxes. It stands to reason if your game is less than good you have no business playing from the blue or black markers as so many do.

Answer 4

I have been to hundreds of courses around the USA and various other countries.   While a starter may suggest which tees you may be most comfortable hitting from......it's your choice.   There is no rule concerning this that I have ever encountered nor heard of.