Maury Hodgens, PGA,Assistant Golf Professional,Beau Rivage Resort & Casino –Fallen Oak, Biloxi, Mississippi
On championship-caliber courses, what’s one of the most common threats to pace of play and overall enjoyment? Golfers choosing the wrong tees. At Fallen Oak in Biloxi, Mississippi, Assistant Golf Professional Maury Hodgens, PGA, has found an effective – and surprisingly well-received – solution: Require permission to play the back tees.
Fallen Oak stretches to nearly 7,500 yards from the tips, a distance designed for elite competition, not everyday play. While those tees are maintained and used for collegiate events, state championships and other high-level tournaments, they are not intended for regular guest play.
“The back tees are championship tees for a reason,” Hodgens explains. “They’re not meant to be the default.”
Instead of relying on signage or passive guidance, Fallen Oak puts the decision in the hands of the golf staff. Starters are trained to recommend that all players – regardless of handicap – move up a tee. If a golfer specifically requests to play the tips, the conversation continues.
“If someone asks to play the back tees, the starter will ask for their handicap,” Hodgens says. “If it lines up, we’re OK with it. If not, we guide them to a tee that better fits their game.”
That small checkpoint has made a big difference. Resort guests often arrive looking for a challenge, but most appreciate the direction once it’s explained. Fallen Oak even hosted a PGA Tour Champions event for a decade, and the field never played from the tips.
Overall, pace of play has improved, rounds finish on time and players walk off the course far more satisfied. Equally important, the policy removes the stigma from “moving up” by framing it as a course standard rather than a statement on someone’s playing ability.
“People are appreciative that we helped put them on the right tees, especially after they finish their round,” Hodgens chuckles.
For PGA of America Professionals facing similar challenges, the takeaway is straightforward – empower your staff to guide players appropriately.
“You might be surprised how positive the response is,” Hodgens says. “Sometimes, protecting the golfer’s experience starts by simply saying: ‘Let’s talk about which tees make the most sense today.’”
