The Forward Tee Experiment — High Handicap Takes On Low Handicap
What happens when a high-handicap golfer plays against a low-handicap golfer… but moves up the tees?
In this challenge, I’m a 21-handicapper and my buddy Brendan is a 5-handicapper. Instead of giving me strokes, I play from the forward tees, giving me a distance advantage while he plays from the standard white tees.
We take on three of Hidden Valley Golf & Country Club’s toughest holes — including the long par-4 13th, the tricky dogleg 17th, and the signature island green par-3 18th.
The twist?
Distance doesn’t always equal success. Even with shorter carries, execution, confidence, and course management decide the outcome. Watch as we drive, chip, and putt our way through this unique head-to-head — complete with banter, near misses, and some surprising results. Will a shorter tee box level the playing field, or does skill still win out?
Tune in to see who comes out on top…
👇 Comment below: would you try moving up the tees in your next round?
#golf #golfer #golfswingbasics
Join Mark and Brendan in this exciting golf vlog as they face off on the course! Mark is currently one up on the 17th hole, showcasing excellent golf course management, while Brendan is one down. Watch as they navigate various shots and react to the challenges of the game, offering valuable golf tips and golf highlights along the way. 👇 Comment below: what’s your favorite course to play?
3 Comments
This challenge wasn’t about handicaps — it was about distance and confidence.
I’m a 21-handicapper. Brendan’s a 5.
No shots given.
Just different tee boxes.
What surprised me most wasn’t the scores…
It was how much standing closer to the green changed decision-making, club choice, and nerves.
Same course. Same holes.
Very different golf.
So here’s the real question 👇
Do you think tee selection can level the playing field better than handicaps in casual matches?
Or does it cross a line?
Curious to hear where you stand ⛳
Brendan you should put an 11 wood in your bag. I’m also a five handicap 65 years old it’s a game changer
It’s replaced my six iron. I also have a nine wood in the bag which replaces my five iron
Did all this over the last six months hitting and holding a lot more greens
I have a 7 wood it’s my highest wood and hybrids for 4 and 5 irons I’ve had them for sometime and love them not changing any time soon. 6 iron is my highest iron and I like it so far. High woods are getting alot of traction for good reason.