From Tuesday 21 April, The Coast Golf Club will transition to Universal Tees, a modern approach to tee placement that is being increasingly adopted by golf clubs across Australia and internationally. This change is designed to improve accessibility, fairness and enjoyment for golfers of all abilities, while maintaining the integrity of competition and handicapping.
What Are Universal Tees?
Universal Tees move away from traditional “men’s” and “ladies” tees and instead offer tee options that are rated for both Men and Women. This allows golfers to choose the tees that best suit their ability and comfort level, rather than being restricted by gender-based tee markers while limiting the amount of tee blocks on the course.
As part of this change, most competitions at The Coast Golf Club will be conducted as Multi‑Tee events, meaning players in the same competition may play from different tees, with handicaps adjusted accordingly under the World Handicap System (WHS). Honourboard, Medal and Qualifying events will continue to be played off the designated tee as per the conditions of play.
Important Registration Change – Please Read
From 21 April, all players must register via the Player Registration Kiosk in the Golf Shop prior to checking in.
At the kiosk, players will:
- Select the tee they wish to play from
- Be allocated a Daily Handicap specific to that tee
- Then proceed to check in with Golf Shop staff as normal
This process ensures fair and accurate handicapping across Multi‑Tee events.
Changes Members Will Notice
Updated Tee Names & Course Structure
To support Universal Tees and create greater consistency in course distances throughout the week, the following changes will apply:
- Championship Course → Black Tees
- White Tees → Gold Tees
- Red Tees → Silver Tees
- Purple / Green Course → Emerald Tees
Members may also notice changes to course and slope ratings, as we look to utilise all available tee boxes and ensure consistency and equity across all competitions.
The Black Tees (Championship Course) will continue to be restricted to A‑Grade golfers, preserving the challenge and integrity of the championship layout.
Why Are We Making This Change?
Matching the Course to Ability, Not Gender
Golf Australia and the World Handicap System encourage clubs to move toward tee systems based on playing ability rather than gender. Under Universal Tees, a longer‑hitting female golfer may choose to play from a longer tee, while a shorter‑hitting male or senior golfer may choose a shorter tee that better suits their game — all while competing fairly in the same event.
Increased Enjoyment & Confidence
Clubs that have adopted Universal or gender‑neutral tees consistently report improved enjoyment, particularly among:
- Seniors
- Juniors
- New and returning golfers
- Players who may not feel comfortable playing the full length of the course
By allowing players to choose the tee that best matches their game, the course becomes more enjoyable, less intimidating, and better aligned with individual ability.
Improved Pace of Play
Playing from more appropriate course lengths often leads to:
- Shorter approach shots
- Fewer lost balls
- Improved flow throughout the course
Many clubs report a positive impact on overall pace of play after introducing Universal and Multi‑Tee formats.
Proven Success at Other Clubs
Universal Tees and Multi‑Tee competitions are already in use at a growing number of Australian golf clubs, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from members. Industry research and club case studies highlight improved inclusivity, stronger participation across age groups, and better mixed‑competition experiences.
How Will This Work in Competitions?
- Players choose their tee when registering at the kiosk
- A Daily Handicap is calculated based on the selected tee’s course and slope rating.
- Players from different tees still compete fairly in the same competition
This system is fully supported under the World Handicap System and is already widely used across Australia.
What Tees Should I Play?
GolfNSW suggests that a smart way to decide which set of tees to play is to consider your 5-iron distance as a benchmark. This golf term, when paired with the golf tee lengths, can help golfers pinpoint the most suitable tee-off spot on the course.
To select the ideal tees for your golf game, consider the distance of your average 5-iron shot, multiply it by 36, and choose the tees that match that yardage.
For example, someone who hits their 5 iron 150M (150 x 36 = 5,400) should consider playing the Gold Course which is 5,362M while someone who hits their 5 iron 130M (130 x 36 = 4,680) may consider playing the Silver Course which is 4,788M
It is ultimately up to the player and what they feel comfortable in playing.
Looking Ahead
The introduction of Universal Tees represents an important step forward for The Coast Golf Club. It aligns us with best‑practice trends in the golf industry while ensuring our course remains challenging, inclusive and enjoyable for all members.
We will continue to collect member feedback while monitoring the implementation of Universal Tees & Multi-Tee events. We ask that any questions or observations be directed to the Match Committee at club@coastgolf.com.au
Further information, including updated course charts and guidance at the registration kiosk, will be available ahead of commencement.
