Topic: #18 Lewis tee box:
There has been some feedback about the recent change in the #18 L&C tee box, so we thought it would be a good time to address the reasons behind the ultimate changes: The golf committee has decided to leave the white tees at the 383 yard distance (aside the current blue tees), and we have moved the gold tees back to the 440 yard distance (from the previous 415 box). Also, the black tees have been moved back from 440 to the 480 tee box. In addition, the changes will increase the course rating differential between the gold and white tee box from 2.5 to 2.8 strokes (still rounds to 3).
The reasons for the change is the balance we are seeking to find between making sure members are enjoying their golf experience, while also trying to "protect" the golf holes as they were designed. The 18th hole at Lewis and Clark may be the best finishing hole in the region. We were sensitive to the notion of having the championship tees (gold & black) play as a tough finishing hole as is suggested with a #4 handicap. With a majority of our male golfers playing from the white tees presently, these changes should have rather minimal impact to our membership since we're only moving the gold & black tees back 25 and 40 yards respectively.
We, of course, welcome cogent feedback at anytime and will take such into consideration. See stats accumulated by the USGA below that helped us with our decision making. The USGA is currently running a program called Tee it Forward. Using their table (attached below) detailing guidelines for suggested yardages based on driver length off the tee, a player who hits it about 250 should be playing the white tees. A player who hits it about 225 (including roll that we'll see more of in the summer) should be playing the blue tees. Conversely, a player who can hit a drive 275 yards plus should be playing about 6,700-6,900 yards (our gold tees on L&C).
So, using these guidelines: On #18 from the blue/white tees: (383 yards, and understanding that this hole usually plays into the wind) 1) A 225 yard drive will leave 158 in to the hole 2) A 250 yard drive will leave 133 in to the hole On #18 from the new gold tees: (440 yards) 1) A 250 yard drive will leave 190 into the hole 2) A 275 yard drive will leave 165 into the hole. If conditions are extremely soft (cart path only days for instance), then we will look to have boxes moved up to an appropriate level.
Lewis & Clark New Tee Distances (18 holes)
Blue: 5,906
White: 6,316 (+410 from blue)
Gold: 6,851 (+535 from white, +945 from blue)
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