What Tees Should Kids Play From?

Tee choice is not about pride

A beginner child should not have to prove they can survive an adult-length hole. The first course goal is simpler: one safe hitter at a time, a starting spot that feels possible, and a parent who can keep the group moving without turning every swing into a lesson.

The word tee can mean two things here. It can mean the course marker where the hole starts. It can also mean the small object that holds the ball up for a first swing. Both matter when a child is learning.

The simple tee rule for kids

Start from the shortest marked tee that lets the child reach playable ground in a few positive turns. If that is still too much, ask the shop or starter whether a short fairway start is allowed for casual family play.

• Use junior tees when the course marks them.
• Use family tees when the course has a family or short-course setup.
• Use forward tees when they are actually short enough for the child.
• Ask before fairway starts because course policies differ.
• Pick up early when the hole stops feeling playable.

Why shorter tees make sense

USGA's family tees article describes family tees as junior tees or short courses and notes that these teeing grounds can be placed in the middle of fairways for junior and beginner golfers.

U.S. Kids Golf's age group and yardage page says its event yardages are based on the Longleaf Tee System, which scales courses so players get a fair and enjoyable test.

That does not mean a parent should copy tournament yardages for a toddler or early beginner. It means the adult course is adjustable. Kids can learn more when the hole is sized to the player, not the other way around.

Which tee should you choose?

Keep pace without rushing your child

USGA pace guidance recommends playing from comfortable tees and notes that players in the same group can play from different tees. For a family round, that can mean a parent plays one tee while the child starts much farther forward.

• Choose a quiet time for the first course outing.
• Tell the starter you are playing a short beginner format.
• Let faster groups play through.
• Use one practice swing, then play.
• Pick up when the hole is no longer useful for the child.

If you want a full first-round structure, pair this guide with how to play three holes with a beginner child.

If the course still feels like too much, warm up with a kid-friendly driving range visit first, then come back to The Clubhouse for the next parent guide.

Do not forget the tee under the ball

Course tee choice controls the length of the hole. The physical tee under the ball controls the setup for the first swing. Very young beginners often do better when the ball starts in a simple, visible place and the parent is not asking them to hit from a difficult lie before they understand the motion.

For a first course visit, use the physical tee only where the course and format allow it. On a teeing area or casual short start, it can keep the setup clear. In normal play from the fairway, follow the course rules and staff guidance.

Where the Big Swing Driver fits

The Little Links Big Swing Kids Golf Driver product page lists ages 2-10+ across three size ranges, right- and left-handed versions, two oversized foam golf balls, two oversized plastic golf balls, and four Play Anywhere Tees.

For a short beginner course setup, that matters because parents are trying to reduce decisions. A child-sized driver, a simple ball choice, and a clear tee setup can make the first few supervised swings easier to organize. It does not replace course permission, adult supervision, or a coach when the child is ready for instruction.

If you are still choosing equipment, read kids golf club size by age and what golf club a child should use first.

When should a child move back?

Move back only when the current starting spot feels playable. The child should be able to keep pace, understand where to stand, and want a little more challenge.

• They can reach playable ground without repeated frustration.
• They can wait safely while others hit.
• They can finish a short hole or pick up without melting down.
• They want the challenge, not just the adult's approval.

If the round starts getting tense, move forward again. Golf is supposed to feel possible before it feels official.

What to avoid

• Do not use tee color as a rule. Red, gold, white, and junior markers vary by course.
• Do not make the child play every shot from adult yardage. Use a shorter format when needed.
• Do not assume fairway starts are always allowed. Ask the course first.
• Do not turn every swing into instruction. Keep one simple cue and let the outing move.
• Do not claim a source endorses your equipment choice. Outside sources support tee and pace principles, not Little Links product claims.