Tee Time
A tee time is the scheduled time a group of golfers is expected to begin their round at the first hole. If the tee time is 9:10 a.m., that is the moment the first player should be hitting a tee shot, not the moment to arrive at the course.
What is a tee time?
A tee time is essentially a reservation to start a round of golf. Courses can only fit so many groups onto the first hole at once, so they hand out start times in spaced intervals and ask each group to be ready when their slot comes up. The name is literal: it is the time you tee off.
The system exists to keep play organized. On a busy day, a single course might host hundreds of golfers, and without assigned start times, the first tee would turn into a crowded, unpredictable queue. Spacing groups out keeps everyone moving and protects the pace of play for the groups behind. According to golf writer Brent Kelley, the whole purpose is to organize golfers on the course and maintain a steady flow around it.
Tee times apply to recreational and professional golf alike. In a tournament, the tee time is the designated start time for each pairing or threesome, and broadcasters publish those times so fans can follow specific players.
How tee times work
Most courses run a tee sheet, which is the daily schedule of every available start time. Groups are slotted in at regular intervals, typically 7 to 15 minutes apart, depending on the course, with many public courses settling around 8 to 12 minutes. That gap gives each group enough room to clear the first hole before the next one tees off.
Whether a tee time is required depends entirely on the course. Brent Kelley groups course policies into three types: times are required, times are available but optional, or times are not accepted at all. Private clubs and busy public courses usually require them. Quieter municipal tracks may let walk-ups play whenever there is a gap.
A tee time also comes with a check-in expectation. Players are generally asked to arrive well before their slot, settle any fees in the pro shop, and be at the first tee a few minutes early and ready to hit.
Tee time vs shotgun start
The two main ways to start a round are tee times and a shotgun start, and they suit different situations. Beginners often confuse the two because both describe how a field of golfers begins play.
With tee times, groups start one after another off the first hole at spaced intervals throughout the day. With a shotgun start, every group begins at the same moment, but from a different hole, so one foursome opens on hole 4, another on hole 12, and so on until the course is full. Shotgun starts are common in tournaments and charity scrambles because the whole field finishes around the same time, which makes a post-round gathering easy to plan.
| Feature | Tee times | Shotgun start |
| Starting hole | Everyone starts on hole 1 | Groups spread across all holes |
| Start moment | Staggered through the day | All groups begin at once |
| Best for | Daily public and private play | Tournaments, scrambles, outings |
| Finish | Groups finish at different times | Field finishes around the same time |
For everyday golf, tee times are the standard. Shotgun starts mostly appear when an organizer needs a large group to play and finish together.
Booking a tee time
Tee times come from the course, and how far ahead they open varies widely. Most local public and municipal courses release their tee sheet 5 to 7 days in advance, often at a set hour in the morning. According to GolfPass, busier resort courses may open booking 14 to 90 days out, and destination courses can take reservations 6 to 12 months ahead.
Booking usually happens online through the course website, a booking platform such as GolfNow, or a phone call to the pro shop. Popular weekend slots at sought-after courses can fill within minutes of the window opening, so the timing of the booking matters as much as the choice of course. Pricing often shifts with demand too, with twilight and midweek slots running cheaper than weekend mornings.
Related Golf Terms
- Tee shot — The first stroke on any hole, played from the tee box.
- Target line — The imaginary line from the ball to the intended target.
- Takeaway — The initial movement of the club away from the ball in the backswing.
- Swing speed — The velocity of the clubhead measured at the point of impact.
- Target golf — A style of course design requiring precise shots to defined landing areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should you arrive for a tee time?
Plan to reach the course at least 30 minutes before the tee time, and earlier for a first-of-the-day slot. That leaves room to check in, pay, warm up, and be at the first tee a few minutes ahead. The tee time itself is when the first ball should be struck.
What happens if you are late for your tee time?
A late arrival risks losing the slot. Many courses try to fit latecomers into a later gap, but on a fully booked day, that can mean a long wait or no round at all. Calling the pro shop as soon as a delay is likely gives staff the best chance to help.
How far in advance can you book a tee time?
It depends on the course. Public and municipal courses commonly open booking 5 to 7 days ahead, while resort and destination courses may allow it months in advance.
Are tee times required to play golf?
Not always. Some courses require them, some offer them as optional, and a few do not take reservations at all. Checking the course website or calling ahead clears up the policy before a visit.
Sources
- Kelley, Brent. “What Is a Tee Time? How Do Tee Times Work?” LiveAbout. Accessed June 2026.
- American Hole ‘n One. “Tee Time vs. Shotgun Start in Golf Tournaments.” Accessed June 2026.
- GolfPass. “Golf courses for beginners: How to book a tee time.” Accessed June 2026.
- GolfNow Blog. “The Smart Golfer’s Guide to Booking Tee Times.” Accessed June 2026.
- Golf.com. “How long before my starting time do I need to show up?” Accessed June 2026.
- United States Golf Association (USGA). “Pace of Play.” Accessed June 2026.
