Tee Box In Golf Explained: A Complete Guide
There is much more to a tee box than being the spot where you take your first swing. While “tee box” is a common informal term for the mowed area at the start of a hole, the official “teeing area” is a specifically defined rectangle between and behind the tee markers you are playing from. That’s where the golf rules apply, and we’ll walk through it all below.
The teeing area is one of the five defined sections of a golf course. Alongside the teeing area, there are three other specific areas: the penalty area, bunkers, and the putting green. All of the space outside these four areas is grouped into the general area, which completes the five sections.
In this post, we will go over everything you need to know about a tee box on a golf course.
(Originally published: Jul 13, 2023 | Updated: May 16, 2025)
What Does Tee Box Mean In Golf? Is It The Same As The Teeing Area?
Let’s look at a simple explanation for both the teeing area and tee box and then go over them in more detail further in this post.
The teeing area (previously known as the teeing ground) is the official, rule-defined space where each hole begins. It is a rectangular zone that extends two club lengths back from the tee markers you’re using.
You can stand outside of the teeing area as long as your ball is within the teeing area.
Tee box is an informal golf term which refers to the entire mowed area at the start of the hole, which may contain multiple teeing areas for different skill levels or tee colors. So, while people sometimes use “tee box” and “teeing area” interchangeably, the teeing area is actually within the tee box.
The tee markers are what define the teeing area, not the grass. The tee box is just the mowed section at the start of each hole, and it might hold multiple teeing areas for different players.
The Position And Purpose Of A Tee Box
The tee box is located in the area where play begins in each hole of golf.
Here are some purposes and advantages:
Level ground: The tee box is a level, mowed area where golfers begin each hole. It gives players a flat surface for their opening shot, which helps keep things fair whether you're on a par 3 golf course or a links course.
Marked boundaries: Tee markers define the official teeing area, which is the specific spot where golfers must tee off.
Managed setup: Since the teeing area is one of the few places where the ball is teed up and stays put, it gives golfers a great opportunity to control their golf shot more than anywhere else on the course.
Choice of tees: Tee box markers typically come in a range of colors which each correspond to a different level of difficulty or distance to the hole. This allows golfers to choose the tee that best suits their skill level.
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Components And Colors Of A Tee Box
Here’s what makes up the tee box:
Tee markers: These colored markers are used to define the front and sides of each teeing area. The markers are set up inside the mowed area commonly referred to as the tee box. Different colors are used to represent different distances to the hole or levels of difficulty.
Tee: A golf tee is a small peg, usually made from plastic or wood. It holds your golf ball slightly above the ground so you can hit it cleanly on your first shot of each hole.
Ground Surface: The teeing area sits on level ground with short grass, usually cut to match the fairway. The tee markers, not the grass, are what define its boundaries.
What Do The Colors Of The Tee Box Mean?
Tee boxes commonly come in three colors: red, white, and blue. Each color signifies a different distance from the hole.
Red Tees: These are closest to the hole. They’re often used by beginners, high-handicap players, or female golfers who prefer a shorter starting distance.
White Tees: A common choice for average golfers or seniors who can hit decent drives but still carry a higher handicap.
Blue Tees: Typically the farthest back, these are used by experienced or low-handicap golfers.
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Some courses also use other colors like green, gold, black, or silver. These markers are often reserved for championship play or special setups and are less commonly seen.
Teeing Area Rules And Setup
The official definition of a teeing area by the USGA is a rectangle that is two club lengths deep where:
The front edge is defined by the line between the forward-most points of two tee markers set by the Committee, and
The side edges are defined by the lines back from the outside points of the tee markers.
In simpler terms, draw an imaginary line across the front of the two tee markers. Then imagine two lines running straight back from the outside edges. That forms the rectangle where you're allowed to tee off.
Never hit the ball from in front of the tee markers. It’s okay to stand outside the teeing area as long as your ball is inside it.
Playing Your Ball From The Teeing Area
Make sure to place your ball inside the designated teeing area before you hit.
Teeing area rules apply any time you’re required or allowed to play from there.
It includes any spot where your ball touches the ground or is above it, like when it’s resting on a tee.
You can stand outside the teeing area while taking your shot, but your ball must stay inside.
You’re allowed to tee the ball up or play it right off the ground, it’s your choice.
Golf Ball Usage During A Hole
Each hole starts at the teeing area and ends when you sink the ball into the putting green.
You’re expected to use the same ball throughout the hole, from your first shot to your last.
There are a few exceptions: if your ball is lost, goes out of bounds, or if the rules allow for a substitution, you can switch balls.
It's a good idea to mark your ball before you play so you can easily identify it.
Tee Box Etiquette
Order Of Play
Keeping the right order on the tee box helps the game move smoothly. Here’s how it usually works:
The player with the lowest score on the previous hole tees off first.
After that, each player takes their turn one at a time.
Everyone should wait their turn to keep things organized and avoid any confusion or accidents.
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Preparing For Your Shot
Being ready when it’s your turn helps keep things moving and shows respect for other players. Here are a few quick tips:
Get your club ready and take practice swings while others are hitting.
Avoid distractions like loud conversations or unnecessary movement.
Keep your golf bag in a spot that’s easy to access your clubs and doesn’t block anyone else.
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Respecting Other Players
Part of what makes golf enjoyable is the respectful atmosphere between players. Here are a few simple ways to show good etiquette on the tee box:
Stay quiet and still while someone is getting ready to hit.
Avoid moving around or doing anything that might break their focus.
Be supportive, but skip the loud cheering or comments that could be distracting.
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How To Help Maintain The Tee Boxes
Doing your part to care for the tee box helps keep the course in good shape and makes the game better for everyone. Here’s how you can help:
Replace or repair divots made during your shot. According to the USGA, you should:
If your divot comes out in one piece with soil still attached, place it back in the spot and press it down with your foot. This helps the grass heal properly.
If the divot leaves a gap, fill it with divot mix and smooth it out with your foot so the turf can grow back evenly.
If the divot is in small pieces or missing soil, use divot mix (sometimes just sand, sometimes with seed). Add enough mix to bring it just below the surrounding turf, press it down, and smooth it out.
Aim for level ground. Too much mix can interfere with mowing or play, and too little slows healing. Try to match the surrounding surface.
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