Tee Time
The tee time is your reserved starting time for the round of golf.
The tee time is the moment at which your group starts the first hole. Facilities usually allocate starting times at eight- or ten-minute intervals so that the groups flow onto the course. You book it at the club office, by phone or via the club's online booking system. Especially at weekends and in high season the coveted morning times go quickly, so an early reservation pays off. Anyone who arrives without a tee time has to wait for a gap — which at many facilities simply does not happen.
In practice the tee time is more than a time of day. For example: your tee time is 9:20. You plan the journey, the warm-up time on the Driving Range and the putting warm-up backwards and are ready at the first tee ten minutes beforehand. Arriving late is considered impolite and can cost you your starting slot because the next group moves up. Each facility regulates the booking details differently; some require a green fee prepayment for online booking.
Typical misconception: the tee time applies to the start, not to the pace of the round. Anyone who plays slowly holds up the whole course, no matter how punctual they were. Keep up with the group in front of you and let faster flights play through. That keeps the tee time system relaxed for everyone.
FAQ
How early should I be at the course before my tee time?
Plan at least 30 to 45 minutes of lead time, better an hour if you still want to warm up. Check in at the club office or the pro shop, use the time for a few balls on the driving range and the putting green. Ten minutes before your starting time you stand ready at the first tee — arriving late can cost you your starting slot.
What happens if I miss my tee time?
In most clubs your starting slot lapses if the next group has already moved up. Whether you may still follow on or get a new time is decided by the facility on site — with a full course this often means: wait or do not play at all. If you are running late, it is best to call the club office immediately; many clubs are accommodating then.
Can I cancel or rebook a tee time?
Yes, almost everywhere — but how it is handled differs from facility to facility. Many online systems allow free cancellations up to a certain point before the start; at some, a prepaid green fee is then lost. Read your club's booking conditions before you reserve.