Tee time
The tee time is the fixed clock time at which your group starts from the first tee.
The tee time or starting time — in German "Abschlagszeit" — organises the play of the facility. Flights start at fixed intervals, usually every eight to twelve minutes. On most courses you book your time online or by telephone at the club office. As a visitor you often need playing eligibility or a paid green fee. The day's list of starting times hangs on the noticeboard or is available at the club office. At tournaments the committee assigns you; in casual play you choose yourself.
In practice a booked time is a commitment. An example: your tee time is 10:24 and you are standing at the first tee at 10:20, bag zipped up, ready. Anyone who arrives late loses the first hole in a competition or receives penalty strokes; in a friendly game it is simply impolite. Plan time for the putting green and the driving range — half an hour before is a good guideline. At large events the shotgun start or shotgun start replaces the individual times; then all groups start simultaneously on different holes.
A typical misunderstanding: the tee time is not a rough guide but the exact starting point of your group. Whoever is up earlier has to wait; whoever arrives later holds up the entire operation. Also keep to the pace of play, because a slow group backs up all subsequent starting times. The entries in the golf course search point to the facilities' utilisation and booking windows.
FAQ
How early should I be at the course before my tee time?
Allow about half an hour of lead time: time for the range, a few putts and the walk to the first tee. Five to ten minutes before your time you stand at the tee box ready to go. Anyone who arrives right on the minute only rushes themselves and risks a tense first shot.
What happens if I miss my tee time?
In a competition you face the loss of the first hole or penalty strokes, depending on how late you are. In a friendly game it is above all impolite, because the whole operation behind you has to wait. If it gets tight, call the club office — the time can often be moved if you give early notice.
As a visitor, do I always need a booked tee time?
On most facilities yes; you book online or by telephone at the club office. As a visitor this usually comes with a paid green fee and often proof of your playing ability. On very quiet courses it can sometimes work spontaneously — ask briefly beforehand instead of just turning up.