Why are the distances for men and women in golf different?

Question

Why are the distances for men and women in golf different?

Answer 1

Courses have multiple sets of tees to accomodate golfers of varying ability.  It's not necessarily gender, although there is this perception that the most forward set of tees are somehow the sole teeing area for women.

With that being said, in a tournament, often men will tee from one set of tees, and women from a more forward set.

If you're playing a casual round with a woman, don't assume; just ask her where she will be playing from.

Answer 2

Its like what sluttyc... said Its really unlikely for a female to win against a male in physical sport. Who would win in an arm wrestle of course the male it depends who has more muscle power. im not being sexist

Answer 3

men are stronger, and that's not being sexist, it's a fact

Answer 4

the forward tees are designed to give people the same shots into the green. men are usually longer than women so they play from a further yardage but the holes are calculated and designed to give equal shots for the players into the greens.

Answer 5

The average male pro (PGA) drives about 287 yards; the average LPGA pro drives about 245 yards. And these are the world's best players; with weekend players, the difference is even more pronounced. LPGA professional would struggle just getting the ball to the mown portion of the fairway on the layout of the courses PGA players use. Some of the par fives on PGA tournament courses require a drive of 250 or more just to reach the short grass. Only about two dozen female pros ever carry their drives that far in the air.

Golf courses are designed to be a fair test of every player, regardless of skill level. That is why most courses have at least three different tees and some have five. Too many egomaniacs insist on playing from the back tees even though they can't break 100 with a pencil, which only reduces their enjoyment and  slows play for everyone.

Leafsfan made a great point; I used to date a woman who was the ladies club champion at her country club. Her handicap was 7, mine is a 13.5. When we played, we either both played from the whites or she played the white and I played the blues. That was the only adjustment we made for handicaps; I got no strokes but she played from the men's tees. Many better female players find the game a lot more enjoyable with the added challenge of playing from the white tees. Many courses are too short to be challenging from the red tees.

Answer 6

Well, men generally generate more club head speed than women, because of more muscle, not because they are stronger, club head speed does not come from strength. the more relaxed you are the further you will hit the ball, Michelle Wie can hit the ball 300 yards and shes like 18. so remember its not strength! hope that answers you question.

Answer 7

men are, in general, stronger ... which means they can hit farther.

Answer 8

Strength and club head speed in general. There are also different sets of tees for all levels of play.  Back tees, middle tees, senior tees, and forward (ladies) tees. There are many men at our club that should be playing from the forward tees, but their ego prevents them.   My wife and 15 yr old daughter and I all play from the same white (middle) tees occassionally, and even though I can drive the ball farther, our matches are still close because of their accuracy and short game.

Playing the forward tees for women allows for a balanced match and as you get better, everyone will want you on their scramble team. Also, no reason you can't move back to the senior or middle tees as your game improves.

Answer 9

men are stronger

Answer 10

Men are stronger and generate more clubhead speed

Answer 11

To cope with the average physical attributes of the female body.  They have less power in their shots, but the skill is not necessary less.  It is to level the playing field if a female and male play golf together.  It then becomes a game of skill and accuracy - not just power.

You'll find a similar thing occurs in tennis.  The women's Wimbledon Final is only three sets whilst the men's is a longer five set match.

Answer 12

the fact that men are stronger have nothing to do with the fact, golf is about skill and not about strength (not too much) but men play a lot more golf than most women. im sure in a woman played golf from a young age and played until 20 she would be able to hit it as far as everyone else.