A tee time is the designated time a group of golfers can start their round of golf.
It’s like a dinner reservation.
If you want to ensure that you can eat at a restaurant on a particular day and at a specific time, you make a reservation.
Similarly, if you want to play golf on a particular day and at a specific time, you must make a tee time.
Your tee time is not the time you are expected to arrive at the course or to check-in.
Your tee time is the time you are expected to be hitting your first tee shot.
How To Book A Tee Time
Go to the website of the course you want to play.
They will either have a way to reserve a tee time online, a phone number to call to book a tee time, or it will clearly be stated that they do not accept tee times (typically only private clubs).
Be aware that some courses don’t allow singles to book online. They will typically require you to call to book so they can pair you with another group.
Most golf courses today have online reservation systems where you can see a list of all available tee times and select whichever time you want.
Many courses with an online booking system also allow you to walk on (show up without a tee time), but you will be stuck with whatever is available and likely have few choices in what time you play.
Tee Time Spacing
Most golf courses have all golfers start on hole 1 and typically space tee times 8-12 minutes apart.
If the golf course opens for play at 8:00 am, tee times will run something like this:
8:00, 8:10, 8:20, 8:30, 8:40, and every 10 minutes until closing.
Some courses have split tee starts, meaning groups tee off simultaneously on holes 1 and 10.
Why Do Courses Have Tee Times?
Tee times are necessary to keep the pace of play reasonable.
If golfers could show up and tee off whenever they want, it would lead to slow play, disagreements, and a generally disorganized, unpleasant experience.
It would also likely lead to excessively long waits if lots of people showed up all at the same time wanting to play.
Tee times make the golfing experience more enjoyable for all.
Miss A Tee Time
Many courses that use online booking systems have a cancellation policy in place. Typically, you are allowed to cancel and get a full refund if you cancel 24-48 hours in advance.
If you are late and miss your tee time, you likely won’t be able to play that day if the course is busy. The starter will try to fit you in if there are other openings, but if the course is booked for the rest of the day, you aren’t playing.
If you are playing a tournament that is using a shotgun start format, don’t be late!
In a shotgun start, everyone tees off simultaneously on different holes so if you are late, you won’t be able to play.
Other Tee Time Considerations
As most know, weekends are the most popular times to play golf, particularly from around 8 am to 2 pm.
Fridays are also popular days.
Be sure to get a tee time well in advance if you play on playing during the busiest times.
Many public courses have an early bird or twilight rate where you can get a discount for teeing off very early in the morning or later in the afternoon or evening.
Be aware that just because a tee time is offered doesn’t mean you will be able to finish your round before it gets dark.
For example, many courses will offer tee times late into the afternoon/early evening, and depending on when sunset is, you may not have time to finish a round.
Make sure to book ahead of time if you plan on playing popular places such as Pebble Beach, Pinehurst, or Bandon Dunes as they can be booked out months ahead of time.
Bandon Dunes is known to sell out foursome tee times over a year in advance!