Installation and Usage Guide
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
2
Who Plays from the PGA Family Course Tees?
CARRY DISTANCE
3
CHART A: Carry Distance
COURSE SETUP AND YARDAGE
4
DIAGRAM B: Golf Hole Graphic
CHART C: Yardage Recommendations
TEEING GROUND AND USGA COURSE RATING
5
Proper Teeing Grounds and Locations
USGA Course Rating™ Standards
INSTALLATION
6
Before Installing the PGA Family Course Forward Tee Plates
6
PGA Family Course Installation Video
6
Installing the Fairway Plates with the PVC Stake
7
Installing the Cart Path Locator Plates
8
MAINTENANCE
9
PROMOTIONAL IDEAS
10
Obtaining a USGA Course Rating™ for the PGA Family Course Forward Tees
10
The Scorecard
11
Listing Your Course with U.S. Kids Golf and Play Golf America
11
Play Golf America Programs
12
Special Rates/ Green Fees for PGA Family Course Players
12
Integrating the U.S. Kids Golf Learning Program
13
1
INTRODUCTION
2
Congratulations on your decision to install the PGA Family Course!
For most young players and new golfers, the existing forward tees are too long. The PGA Family Course program was designed so
that players can have the opportunity to make pars and birdies by playing from a yardage that enables them to reach each green in
regulation.
The PGA Family Course uses two sets of tees that scale the golf course for players whose driver carry distance is 150 yards or less. It is
essential to help players of all ages and ability reach the green in regulation and have the chance to make par, while improving pace
of play on the golf course.
At its core, the PGA Family Course program uses two sets of tees designed to enable golfers with shorter driver carry distances to
enjoy the same golf experience as players with longer driver carry distances. In this way, the program is a step toward involving the
entire family in the game, including many younger and non-traditional golfers, who may have previously found golf too timeconsuming and intimidating.
With the PGA Family Course installed at your facility, you will find that the number of rounds played will increase, pace of play will
improve, and the social atmosphere of your club will become more inviting to golfers who might have previously turned to other
activities.
Helping players enjoy a real golf experience while reaching greens in regulation…
and improving pace of play
Who plays from the PGA Family Course Forward Tees?
Young Players
This program was designed with kids in mind. When kids are first learning to play golf, they often lack
the physical ability to hit shots long enough to effectively manage the golf course.
On course experience is essential to players learning the game and crucial for the retention of
beginner golfers. Kids shouldn’t be limited to the driving range or the practice green, and these tees
make playing golf possible for these young players.
All golfers can Enjoy Playing from the PGA Family
Course Forward Tees
The PGA Family Course should not be limited to young golfers. All golfers,
especially beginners, will enjoy the experience of playing quicker and shooting
low scores. Further, more experienced golfers can use these tees as a way to
hone aspects of their approach game or play a faster round.
CARRY DISTANCE
3
The Foundation of the PGA Family Course: Carry Distance and Shot-Making
The distance a player is able to carry the ball in the air with a driver is the best measure to determine which tees he/she should play.
Research shows a consistent relationship between a player’s driver carry distance (without roll) and the distance that player is able to hit
other clubs.
CHART A shows the average yardage that players with specified driver carry distances hit each of their clubs. For example, golfers that
carry their driver 140 yards will hit their 3-wood an average of 127 yards (90% of the driver distance) and their 5-wood 118 yards (84% of
the driver distance).
CHART A
COURSE SETUP AND YARDAGE
4
DIAGRAM B
PGA Family Course Setup
The PGA Family Course program adds
two additional tees to each hole in front
of the existing forward tees. The Fairway
Plates should be placed on level
locations in the fairway a short distance
from the rough, preferably on the same
side as the cart path, always to avoid
obstacles or forced carries. (DIAGRAM
B).
Fairway Plate
In addition, a Tee Locator Plate should
be affixed to the cart path or a small
post, perpendicular to the fairway plate,
to serve as an aide for finding the tee
marker in the fairway (DIAGRAM B).
Tee Locator Plate
Yardage Recommendations
CHART C (below) represents a typical course yardage setup using the PGA
Family Course model. We always recommend that the PGA Family Course par
on any given hole match the existing regulation par for consistency and
handicap purposes, though exceptions should be made in special cases (see
“Proper Teeing Grounds” on the next page).
The model encourages diversity between holes. For example, we have shown
five possible par-4 setups that would require players to use different clubs in
their bag to reach each green in regulation.
CHART C
• Yardages assume two
Par 3’s, five Par 4’s and
two Par 5’s per nine
holes.
• Driver and 3-wood
distance assumes 20
yards of roll in
accordance with USGA
Course RatingTM
formula
• Yardage estimates for
each club is based off
the percentage of driver
carry distance provided
by Bridgestone Golf
TrackMan Data for
averages of PGA Tour
and LPGA Tour players.
TEEING GROUND AND USGA COURSE RATING
5
Proper Teeing Grounds and Choosing Locations
For standardization and handicap purposes, the PGA Family Course teeing ground should be clearly identified
for each hole according to the specific yardage guidelines for par 3s, par 4s, and par 5s provided in CHART C
on the previous page.
Identifying a proper location for the teeing ground is essential to the visibility and playability of Forward Tee 1
and Forward Tee 2. Use these guidelines to find the ideal teeing ground locations:
• Install the Fairway Plate on the cart path side of the fairway to allow for quick access and visibility.
• Install on flat, level area that is not in the rough.
• Ensure the selected area drains well, as there should not be an excess of standing water on the teeing
ground.
• Attempt to maintain the integrity of the hole (i.e. dog-legs, shape, and strategically positioned
approach shots).
• Take the landing area of the tee shot into consideration. Avoid long forced carries, hazards, second
shots from the rough, steep hills, or other difficult locations, etc.
Every Family Course hole should match the par of the hole on the existing course. In some circumstances, due
to forced carries or uneven teeing grounds, the par of a hole may need to be altered to provide an acceptable
location. If so, adjustments should be made on another hole(s) to keep the calculated par for the PGA Family
Course the same as the existing course.
USGA Course Rating™ Standards
To be eligible for a course rating, it is important for Forward Tee 1 to meet the minimum standard yardage requirements.
Forward Tee 2 can be set at a distance that will be determined by the range between Forward Tee 1 and the existing most
forward tees. The recommended total yardage guidelines are listed below:
•
Forward Tee 1 must be placed at a total minimum standard yardage of
1,500 yards on nine holes and 3,000 yards on 18 holes. One hole on each
nine must be at least 250 yards.
•
Forward Tee 2 should be placed at a range of 1,900 to 2,200 yards on nine
holes and 3,800 to 4,400 yards on 18 holes.
To learn more about obtaining a
USGA Course Rating™ for the
PGA Family Course Forward Tees,
see page 10.
INSTALLATION
6
Before Installing the PGA Family Course Forward Tee Plates
The installation of the PGA Family Course requires the expertise of both the golf professional and golf course superintendent. Before the
plates are installed, it is important to follow the steps provided:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Refer to the recommended course setup chart (CHART C, page 3) to find a yardage/setup that works well for your golf course.
CHART C demonstrates possible PGA Family Course length setups for long and short holes based on the existing par and
length of particular holes
Be mindful of unique situations on each golf hole that may affect the yardage or par of the PGA Family Course Forward Tees.
Such unique situations include:
•
Forced Carries
•
Water Hazards
•
Dog-legs
•
Elevation/Sloped Surfaces
In rare circumstances the par of a hole may need to be altered to provide a proper teeing ground, but further adjustments
should be made to keep par for the PGA Family Course the same as the existing course.
Once ideal teeing grounds for each hole have been selected, record the exact yardages where the PGA Family Course tees will
be placed and, if necessary, the new par of any altered holes.
Access the scorecard template at www.uskidsgolf.com/play-and-learn/family-courses/scorecard-usga-rating
Using the existing course scorecard, enter the par and yardage for each hole on the scorecard template. The total 9-hole and
18-hole yardages will be automatically calculated. It is especially important to ensure the total yardages on each nine for
Forward Tee 1 meet the minimum standard yardage of 1,500 yards with at least one hole per nine of 250 yards or more.
A customizable Scorecard Template is available at
www.uskidsgolf.com/play-and-learn/family-courses/scorecard-usga-rating
RECOMMENDATION: You may want to test your locations before installing the plates permanently. Use turf-marking paint to dot the
test location and see how your beginning players play from your selected location. Traffic patterns, ease of locating the plate, shot values
and turf condition can be assessed before permanent installation.
PGA Family Course Installation Video
Before the plates are installed, consult the brief Installation Instruction
Video on www.uskidsgolf.com/play-and-learn/family-courses/forward-teeinstallation
INSTALLATION
7
Installing the Fairway Plates with the PVC Stake
Once the course yardages have been set, you are ready to install the Forward Tees in the fairway.
You will need:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Forward Tee 1 or Forward Tee 2 Fairway Plate (Included)
PVC Stake (Included)
Course Marking Paint
Heavy Duty Irrigation Head Trimmer (7” diameter)
Rubber Mallet Hammer
Garden Shovel
Small amount of sand or loose dirt
1.
Test the ground where the plate will be placed. Make sure the area is free of irrigation lines, roots, rocks
or any other impediments that will keep the PVC stake from entering the ground. Mark the area with
Course Marking Paint.
2.
Using an irrigation head trimmer, cut a circular hole two inches deep and seven inches in diameter. Use a shovel to clean up
any edges as required. Layer a small amount of sand across the bottom of the hole to level the ground. The bottom of the hole
should be at least an inch deep before the plate is installed.
3.
Lay the plate in the desired area, pick up the plate and use the imprint as a target center for the PVC stake. Using a rubber hammer,
drive the PVC stake into the center of the hole until the plastic of the stake is nearly flush with the bottom of the hole and the
threading of the screw is raised. Fasten the Forward Tee plate tightly to the stake and then use the mallet to gently tap the plate
into place at the bottom of the hole. Rotate the plate so the top of the text points toward the green.
INSTALLATION
8
Installing the Tee Locator Plates
Once the teeing ground locations have been identified and the Fairway Plates installed,
you are ready to install the tee Locator Plates.
You will need:
•
•
•
Forward Tee 1 and Forward Tee 2 Locator Plates
Caulking Gun
Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive – Approx. six
tubes per nine holes (Loctite PL375 is recommended
on most surfaces)
1.
Locator Plates should be placed in the center of the cart path, perpendicular to the corresponding fairway plates. Make sure the cart
path is dry and the area is swept clear of any dirt or debris before installation.
2.
Using a caulking gun, generously apply an industrial strength
adhesive to the raised areas on the bottom of the locator plate. To
avoid messy overflow, do not apply the adhesive to the outermost
ring of the plate. The most effective adhesive is Loctite PL375
Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive.
3.
Turn the plate over and firmly press it against the surface of the cart path.
Hold it in place for a few seconds. As with the fairway plates, the top of the
lettering on the plate should be pointing down the cart path, in the direction
of the green.
NOTE: If your course does not have cart paths or has soft-surfaced paths like sand, we recommend attaching the locator
plate to a small wooden post to be placed along the side of the hole (much like a yardage or golf cart control stake),
perpendicular to where the fairway tee is located.
Congratulations on Installing the PGA Family Course!
For any suggestions, best practices, or suggestions, please email [email protected].
MAINTENANCE
9
Maintaining the Forward Tee Plates and Teeing Grounds
The golf course superintendent must include the maintenance of the Family Course plates into the schedule of mowing and general
upkeep of the golf course. The PGA Family Course plates must be trimmed with a sprinkler head or yardage marker in the fairway to
prevent overgrowth.
To keep the plates looking tidy, we recommend that they be maintained similarly to sprinkler heads, using a straight shaft trimmer and
plastic PowerHead attachment (PowerHead Clear-Cut PH3). A plastic attachment is recommended to prevent damage to the tee plate.
After trimming the fairway plate, step down around the
edges to strengthen the ground around the plate and for
aesthetics.
When needed, use a small brush or blower to keep debris
off of the fairway plate.
PROMOTIONAL IDEAS
10
Taking the Next Step: Creating an Authentic Golfing Experience
Juniors and beginners need a place of their own on the golf course where they feel comfortable and validated. The following components
are essential to enhance and authenticate the PGA Family Course at your facility:
1. Scorecard with yardage and par for Forward Tee 1 and Forward Tee 2.
2. USGA Course Rating™ for Forward Tee 1 and Forward Tee 2.
3. An official listing on the web pages of U.S. Kids Golf and Play Golf America
4. Promoting the Family Course at your golf course
5. Registration and Participation with Play Golf America Programs
6. Special Greens Fee for PGA Family Course players
7. Integrating the U.S. Kids Golf Learning Program
1. Obtaining a USGA Course Rating™ for the PGA Family Course
Forward Tee 1 and Forward Tee 2 are eligible for a USGA Course Rating™, allowing players to establish handicaps from these yardages.
In order to obtain a USGA Course Rating™ for the PGA Family Course, your golf course must meet the requirements established by the
USGA. These requirements include but are not limited to:
•
Membership in a State or Regional Golf Association that is recognized by the USGA.
•
Forward Tee 1 must meet the standard minimum yardage of 1,500 on nine holes and 3,000 on 18 holes. At least one hole on
each nine must be a minimum of 250 yards.
To obtain a USGA Course Rating™ for the PGA Family Course, contact your men’s and women’s State or Regional Golf Association with
the hole-by-hole yardages. You will also need to have your most forward set of existing tees (Ladies Tees or Red Tees) rated for both men
and women as boys and girls move back from the Forward Tees and begin to play from these tees.
Once the PGA Family Course has received a USGA Course Rating™, golfers can begin to post scores from these tees and establish a
USGA Handicap. The posted scores will be recognized as official as long as the golfer adheres to the USGA Rules of Golf and USGA
Handicap System™.
Since only one fairway marker indicates the teeing ground, the USGA has a modified definition of the teeing ground to include the
Forward Tee markers:
“The USGA believes to help clarify the acceptability of scores for handicapping purposes using this scenario, that two club-lengths
from a tee-marker in any direction, no nearer the hole, would be appropriate to define the teeing ground. Also, if the shorter tee
(Family tee) qualifies for a USGA course rating then the player (child or parent) would have an acceptable score for handicap posting
purposes. The two basic premises (Section 1-1) behind the USGA Handicap System still stand, and the club handicap committee has
the authority to make any adjustment if they encounter any issues with the player’s Handicap Index not reflecting their potential ability
as noted in Section 8-4c.”
COURSE SETUP AND YARDAGE
11
2. The Scorecard
Golfers want to know the yardage and par for each hole. Therefore, a scorecard for the Forward Tees must be made available. U.S.
Kids Golf has developed a Scorecard Template to download and customize to your course.
Scorecard Template and Printing Instructions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
To access the Scorecard Template go to www.uskidsgolf.com/play-and-learn/family-courses/scorecard-usga-rating.
Once the Forward Tees have been installed and you have contacted your State or Regional Golf Association (list of State and
Regional Golf Associations available on www.usga.org) for a Course Rating, enter the final hole-by-hole par, yardage and
Course Rating for Level 1 and Level 2 Forward Tees on the Scorecard Template.
Insert your course logo in the designated area on the Scorecard Template. Make necessary changes to the text or images on
the Scorecard Template (i.e. Local Rules, Junior Club Champions, etc.).
The Scorecard Template is formatted to print on 8.5” x 11” paper. We recommend that the Scorecard Template be printed on
a colored, heavy stock paper.
To print the Scorecard Template in Excel, click “File, Print” and in Settings change the default to “Print on Both Sides: Flip
Pages on Short Edge."
Make the Family Course Scorecard available with the regulation scorecard in the golf shop, starters booth and/or on the first
and tenth tees.
PROMOTIONAL IDEAS
12
3. Listing Your Course on USKidsGolf.com and PlayGolfAmerica.com
After the Forward Tees are installed, send a copy of the PGA Family Course scorecard with the yardages, a photo of the golf course
and any junior/family golf access policies to [email protected].
Once the yardages are verified as meeting the recommended guidelines, your course will be listed on USKidsGolf.com and
PlayGolfAmerica.com.
PROMOTIONAL IDEAS
13
5. Play Golf America Programs
An effective marketing strategy is promoting programs to niche markets such as women, families and seniors.
Research supports this concept in two ways: women report they prefer participating in Play Golf America programs with other women, and
a common barrier that prevents people from playing golf is time with families.
As a result, PGA and LPGA Professionals are encouraged to offer programs targeted to these niche
markets. In addition, Play Golf America offers a variety of branded programs to offer at the local
level including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Get Golf Ready
TEE IT FORWARD
Family Golf Month
PGA Family Course
Kids Play Free
PGA/USGA Course Access
Learn more at PlayGolfAmerica.com and PGA professionals can register for these programs at PGALinks.com.
6. Special Rates/ Green Fees
for PGA Family Course Players
Golfers playing from the PGA Family Course
tees will play faster and take up less room on
the course. Kids and families (most of whom
would not have previously played) will be more
likely to use these tees if there is a financial
incentive to do so. Please consider creating
special green fees for users of this shorter
course.
PROMOTIONAL IDEAS
14
Attention Junior Golf Coaches!
Keep kids excited about golf while developing their game and playing the course with the U.S. Kids Golf Learning Program, which is
specifically designed to be integrated with the Family Course. The Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 booklets offer a mix of instruction and oncourse play. Each booklet consists of forms and skills tests for students to pass before moving onto the next booklet and set of tees.
Every level includes instruction and check points in five areas:
•
Putting
•
Around the Green
•
Full Swing
•
Knowledge
•
Scoring
Achievement pins and other products
provide players with incentives to
advance through the levels.
For more information or to order Learning Program Booklets, call 1-888-3USKIDS
or visit USKidsGolf.com
15
Questions or comments?
Contact us at 888-3USKids or [email protected]
3040 Northwoods Parkway
Peachtree Corners, Georgia 30071-1523
t. 888-387-5437
www.uskidsgolf.com