Okay - How big is a good tee box?

[srm_520]

Another poll question since I'm looking for as much input as possible before any final decisions are made. We want concrete tees, but how big is perfect?

I don't think size or cost are an issue, so this is pure personal preference.

Thanks to everyone for their input!

[DirtyMittenDG]

Its nice when the tees are wide as well as long, On certain shots people will do a side step, and it makes a big difference when you can side step and still be on the tee.

To me, these are the perfect tees (bigger than any option on the above poll)

http://www.dgcoursereview.com/gallery.php?id=253&mode=gal#

-See hole #5 for good size comparison

[DWill]

I think the bigger the better. The best I've played on was at Giles Run (http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=2473), which are either 5x10 or 5x12, and they are sweet. Flush to the ground as well. Sometimes the width gets over looked more than the length, but I think bother are equally as important.

Some of the worse have been because they weren't long enough, usually the older courses, but I've seen it in on newer ones as well.

So my recommendation is to err on too big, then not big enough. I hope that helps.


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[ERicJ]

From what I can tell 1.5m x 3.0m (5'x12') is the recommended size for a typical tee box. You might go a bit longer on for a really long hole.

Also consider adding concrete in front of the tee line/foot fault line so that follow through steps are also on level concrete. Another 2-3' is nice for that.

ERic

[Ishulebest]

ERicJ is right, the PDGA advises that a tee box should be a minimum of 5"x12". They suggest a longer pad for longer holes. I'm not sure I like the idea of a foot fault line, simply because if its painted on, it can wear in time, if not repainted often, which might lead to controversey. "you crossed the line", "no I didn't the line is worn, you can't tell if I did or not". Just my 2 cents on the FF line.

[ERicJ]

I'm not sure I like the idea of a foot fault line, simply because if its painted on, it can wear in time, if not repainted often, which might lead to controversey. "you crossed the line", "no I didn't the line is worn, you can't tell if I did or not". Just my 2 cents on the FF line.
As an alternative to painting, which could wear, you make an impression/indention in the concrete when it's poured for the foot fault line.

If you don't have a solid follow through area off the front of a concrete tee pad it will almost certainly get worn down over time and ultimately lead to a nice rut (or puddle) that you fall into off the end of the concrete after your run-up throw.

ERic

[Bill at Flip]

At Flip City I went 10' long, with 5' tapering to 4'. I added a half round to the end for running off. I use concrete dye for the foul line. I carved out cement at the foul line then filled it in with colored cement. A local course here don`t have run off cement at the end of the tees. In less than 1 year there are holes at the end of the tee boxes. Here the grass is still growing at the end of the tees.

[ERicJ]

Bill, nicely done. How much "overhang" do you have past the fault line? And is that included in your 10' length?

[Bill at Flip]

About 32", thats past the 10'. So your looking at about 13 and a half feet long. I posted a sign at the first tee about the foul lines. At the 2 state tournys here last summer, the TD let people step on the line, but not go past it throwing. The line ended being about 1" wide all the way acrossed the pad.

[Flies to the Left]

At Flip City I went 10' long, with 5' tapering to 4'. I added a half round to the end for running off. I use concrete dye for the foul line. I carved out cement at the foul line then filled it in with colored cement. A local course here don`t have run off cement at the end of the tees. In less than 1 year there are holes at the end of the tee boxes. Here the grass is still growing at the end of the tees.

Can you post a good picture of this?

The pics from the course review don't show the concrete real well. One does show it sorta of. If you wanted to you could post a design on the web and change how everyone installs tee pads. The Flip City Tee Pad Design.

[optidiscic]

I prefer wider and with ample room to follow through without fear of falling or tripping....I think some of the longer tees are a bit of overkill....12 feet is plenty most of the distance in a good throw is generated from the snap and twist not the run up....I also think concrete is often a mistake...once it is in there is not much chance to change or alter the course. I have seen courses where a tree falls or there is gradual clearing from play and a hole changes it becomes dull etc...in these instances it would be nice to move the tee? right

[ERicJ]

[...]I also think concrete is often a mistake...

"Concrete or not" is a debate for another thread. They're already decided they want concrete:

We want concrete tees, but how big is perfect?

[optidiscic]

Sorry bout the thread drift.....I will stick to wider is more important than longer..if you have no restrictions do both...but if I had to choose I'd go wide before extra long.

[Bill at Flip]

Here is a drawing . Its close to scale, for a idea..

[optidiscic]

I think an area to follow through is most important on those off the cliff-elevated tees....There is a hole I love but everytime I play it I am afraid I will tumble off the tee and fall off.....I think the worn grass and subsequent damage is also a good reason to simply design a tee with a follow through area...Bill's pic looks good

[Legend KILLer]

As far as I know, all the girls prefer it big.....

MONDO

[Timber]

I think the bigger the better. The best I've played on was at Giles Run (http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=2473), which are either 5x10 or 5x12, and they are sweet. Flush to the ground as well. Sometimes the width gets over looked more than the length, but I think bother are equally as important.


The teepads at Giles Run are actually 6x15 with a rough sidewalk finish.
Although they appear to be level, they are actually sloped on a 5% grade front to back or back to front to improve drainage. Each tee area also incorporates a level 6 foot run up area in the back with 3 feet of level space on each of the remaining sides. Overall level dimensions for each tee area is 12 x 24. The red tee on hole three required 3 1/2 dumptruck loads of dirt (approximately 42 cubic yards) to meet these standards and return to grade on the hillside. The white tee on hole four required a 5 foot tall by 25 foot long retaining wall. Fairfax County Park Authority followed the Innova tee installation specs to the letter.

[DWill]

The teepads at Giles Run are actually 6x15 with a rough sidewalk finish.
Although they appear to be level, they are actually sloped on a 5% grade front to back or back to front to improve drainage. Each tee area also incorporates a level 6 foot run up area in the back with 3 feet of level space on each of the remaining sides. Overall level dimensions for each tee area is 12 x 24. The red tee on hole three required 3 1/2 dumptruck loads of dirt (approximately 42 cubic yards) to meet these standards and return to grade on the hillside. The white tee on hole four required a 5 foot tall by 25 foot long retaining wall. Fairfax County Park Authority followed the Innova tee installation specs to the letter.

I stand corrected :p, can I change my vote??? Since they are so new, it will be interesting to see how the frost/thaw cycle effects them, if at all. If you ever get a chance, you should make a trip and see them for yourself. Or get in contact with the course designer, Timber, for more specifications.



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[Lewis]

Fairfax County Park Authority followed the Innova tee installation specs to the letter.

You live in a generous county. In some parts of the country, people have to scrape and beg to get something other than "natural" pads. I'm used to "natural", but it encourages erosion.

[cc0049]

The bigger, the better. It gives you more room to work with. The best tee pads that I've ever seen were circular and about 15 feet in diameter in Albuquerque, NM at Brent Baca Memorial. They were awesome and gave you all sorts of options for your approach.

[biscoe]

he is in a wealthy county, but there was a ton of scraping and begging to get anything done there. if i had had to deal with all the stuff timber did in the course of getting that course in the ground i would've walked away.

[scarpfish]

If I had to vote 'ideally' amongst the given options, 6'x12' is the only way to go, even though in most cases, it's more than necessary, and in reality, more than most parks departments/DG clubs can afford.

In actuality, I find shape is actually just as important as size. The teepads at my local course are trapezoidal, but they get narrower at the front, I'd actually prefer they get wider at the front because I tend to approach the tee line somewhat laterally for BH throws.

[Lewis]

One thing that really bothers me is when a concrete tee pad is installed at a funny angle to the fairway, aiming off into the shule rather than down the fairway. I see this even more at ball golf courses, and it usually causes me to line up off-center and hit/throw my drive into the shule.

[srm_520]

I like the look of Bill at Flip's teebox's, but looking at other various courses - here are some other cool shapes and ideas. What about gravel in front of the concrete box instead of extra concrete?

Here are some other variations for boxes. No wonder some people hate playing concrete - there a lot of crappy looking boxes out there. To thin, short, or just crap.

Circle Tees - http://www.dgcoursereview.com/gallery.php?id=398&mode=gal#

Bill at Flip design - http://www.dgcoursereview.com/gallery.php?id=468&mode=gal#

Astroturf - http://www.dgcoursereview.com/gallery.php?id=1322&mode=gal#

Interesting - http://www.dgcoursereview.com/gallery.php?id=252&mode=gal#

Extra conrete for your bag - http://www.dgcoursereview.com/gallery.php?id=423&mode=gal#

[craigg]

12' is too short.
Seneca's teepads are 4'x14' with 2' on either side and 3' behind for run up. even they are sometime considered too narrow by people who like to run up from the side.

Bottom line - make your teepads flush with grade, to avoid stepping up on to, or down off of - and they will suit the most people regardless of size.

[DiscChainBasket18]

..The best tee pads that I've ever seen were circular and about 15 feet in diameter in Albuquerque, NM at Brent Baca Memorial. They were awesome and gave you all sorts of options for your approach.
I love this idea. I hate to get 'boxed in'. haha

[DiscChainBasket18]

..In actuality, I find shape is actually just as important as size. The teepads at my local course are trapezoidal, but they get narrower at the front, I'd actually prefer they get wider at the front because I tend to approach the tee line somewhat laterally for BH throws.
I 2nd this opinion that it should be wider at the front

[progprowl]

Yes, wider in the front!

[willstradamus]

In actuality, I find shape is actually just as important as size. The teepads at my local course are trapezoidal, but they get narrower at the front, I'd actually prefer they get wider at the front because I tend to approach the tee line somewhat laterally for BH throws.



I imagine that they are smaller in the front to "guide" players in the correct direction.

I do agree that they would be better the other direction

[elevated plastic]

I'm in with wider in the front and most important IMO level, nothing worse than a down or up sloping tee, 10ft min length.

[Greg Layton]

The best teepads double as potential foundations for houses. I realize it isn't always practical to have a concrete mixer truck visit your course during installation, but it sure is nice when it works out that way. The bigger it is, the better.

Flip City and Expo Park in Aurora, CO are the best I've seen. In my review for Expo I wrote that you can do the hokey-pokey, turn yourself around, and still have room for a decent X-step. It's neat actually, the teepads have all of the hole information engraved in them which takes away the need for signs.

[Lewis]

So the real trick isn't deciding how big to make them, but finding the space to put in really good ones.

[Greg Layton]

So the real trick isn't deciding how big to make them, but finding the space to put in really good ones.

That makes sense to me. The poorly thought out and implemented pads seem to wind up with holes in front of them and chunks cracked off the edges. I guess that could also be the sign of a disc golf course that's played an awful lot.

[Ryan P.]

The idea of a circular tee is nice. it doesn't really lead you in any direction. they are probably a heck of a lot more cement though.

[chainmonkey]

What about tees on sloping holes where the natural grade it toward the basket, it can be difficult to get these tees level. I have played several that sloped on grade with the topography toward the basket and they were fine. Steep side slopes can be hard to get a wide tee installed level.

[solomon.trenton]

it all depends if the boxes are flush with the ground or elevated. if they are elevated you will need a larger one. otherwise a 5x10 is more than enough

[skurf]

If it's flush with the ground it doesn't need to be as long cause you can start your run-up at any point behind the tee. But if it's on a hill and can't be flush, then it's nice when they're a little longer so you don't have to worry about breaking your ankle.

[Disc Dog]

I have only seen this style of teepad at Tyler State Park in PA. They are a trapezoid shape. They are wider at the backend than the front and are large. Allowing you to stay on the pad even when you are going across it instead of straight down. It made for great footing. My dream course has these on it.

The picture helps but is not the best.

http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course_pics/29/ab8c0d5c.jpg

[Midnightbiker]

I have only seen this style of teepad at Tyler State Park in PA. They are a trapezoid shape. They are wider at the backend than the front and are large. Allowing you to stay on the pad even when you are going across it instead of straight down. It made for great footing. My dream course has these on it.

The picture helps but is not the best.

http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course_pics/29/ab8c0d5c.jpg


We have those in Kingwood, but they are in backwards, so they are wider in the front than in the back. They are also very wide:

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd166/Midnightbiker/Hole14.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd166/Midnightbiker/hole5.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd166/Midnightbiker/Hole2.jpg

[nygfaninva]

The best teepads double as potential foundations for houses. I realize it isn't always practical to have a concrete mixer truck visit your course during installation, but it sure is nice when it works out that way. The bigger it is, the better.

Flip City and Expo Park in Aurora, CO are the best I've seen. In my review for Expo I wrote that you can do the hokey-pokey, turn yourself around, and still have room for a decent X-step. It's neat actually, the teepads have all of the hole information engraved in them which takes away the need for signs.


I agree. I love a large tee box and would love to see the ones on these courses.

[Midnightbiker]

When I played Bryan McClain Park in San Antonio, I was suprised at how small the tee pads were:

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd166/Midnightbiker/20081116BM38.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd166/Midnightbiker/20081116BM13.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd166/Midnightbiker/20081116BM5.jpg

[wolito]

Smaller teepads can generate wear around the edges as people use a small run up off the back of the pad, step onto the teepad to finish the run up then throw. The one thing I worry about is stepping off the front of a teepad once I throw and if there is a slight dropoff, I worry of twisting my ankle.

[thepowerofpancakes]

if i can park my car on it, then its about right

[Midnightbiker]

Smaller teepads can generate wear around the edges as people use a small run up off the back of the pad, step onto the teepad to finish the run up then throw. The one thing I worry about is stepping off the front of a teepad once I throw and if there is a slight dropoff, I worry of twisting my ankle.

You wanna talk about a slight dropoff, look at my first pic. Its about an 8ft drop to the ground below.

[optidiscic]

I prefer wider rather than longer! I am 6'3" and the 2.5 foot wide 15 foot long tees reaally piss me off! Anyone else have the same complaint?

[Midnightbiker]

I prefer wider rather than longer! I am 6'3" and the 2.5 foot wide 15 foot long tees reaally piss me off! Anyone else have the same complaint?

Don't think I have see one quite that narrow

[optidiscic]

ok maybe 3 feet but still just ridiculous!

[solomon.trenton]

ok maybe 3 feet but still just ridiculous!

i think 15' is wayyyyy too much. i turn 18- degrees when i throw and do it in less than 8 feet

[optidiscic]

Agreed I just played a course alot of 3 feet wide 10-12 foot long ...great course but I'd rather have a tapered wider at the front box that uses as much concrete than such a long narrow sliver or maybe just no concrete at all...that kind of narrow tee got in my head..and at the course there was enough in my head...just IMHO.

[Midnightbiker]

i think 15' is wayyyyy too much.

Yea, thats what she said. Oh , I thought you said 15 inches....wait.....what?:confused:

[mambrose]

Eh i liek the size of the ones @ riverside park in Gr, i know if i stand in the back corner, it gives me the exact ammount of room i need.

[pokamitch]

The bigger the better, in my opinion. I saw a course that has trapeziod shaped that were 10' long, 5' wide at the back, and 4' wide on the front (Turkey Lake, T2 course). They seemed to be on the right track. Also, I have seen 8' circular tees before, they were pretty cool, but not really neccessary

But, they gotta be at least 8' long and 4' wide to accomidate a decent drive, IMO.....

[Lewis]

But, they gotta be at least 8' long and 4' wide to accomidate a decent drive, IMO.....

Only if you're short or don't take much of an X-step. A tee box this size would cramp a lot of people.

[srm_520]

After posing this question months back - I have played many various sizes and have decided that a 6' x 12' tee is adequate in most cases. However, a few extension past the tee with concrete or mulch is also good to prevent erosion. Circle C Metro Park @ Slaughter Creek is a good example of that. Anything longer than 12' is fairly unnecessary unless there is a large drop off, then 15' seems to be pretty good. It also seems like any width beyond 6' may be cool but is unnecessary and not very cost effective.

My opinions and .02 - take it or leave it :)

[osbogosley]

The best concrete pads are at the old zilker park in Austin. They are pie shape, kinda. I think 4 ft. in front and about 12-15 in back and 10 or 12 long.

[Lewis]

The best concrete pads are at the old zilker park in Austin. They are pie shape, kinda. I think 4 ft. in front and about 12-15 in back and 10 or 12 long.

Am I the only person who thinks this is backwards? Shouldn't the front of the tee box be the wider part, if you're going to taper it?

[Midnightbiker]

Am I the only person who thinks this is backwards? Shouldn't the front of the tee box be the wider part, if you're going to taper it?

It makes sense to me. That is how the boxes are installed in Kingwood, and everyone bitches about the boxes being backwards. I don't get it

[Neophyte]

I am not sure that a bigger is better mentality works for this. In the end I think as long as it is at least 4X8 and you have practiced with that length of tee it doesn't matter.

[GALLOW1217]

This week we are installing 5' x 10' rectangle tee pads in Rock Spring Park. Alton, IL.

[skinner21]

the most clever tees I have seen are in Channahon, IL at Community Park. They are 4 or 5 feet wide, maybe 12 feet long. What makes them unique is that they put in a limestone followthrough area off the front in the shape of an arrow head. It helps with orientation, erosion, keeping costs down, and it looks really nice.

[srm_520]

The best concrete pads are at the old zilker park in Austin. They are pie shape, kinda. I think 4 ft. in front and about 12-15 in back and 10 or 12 long.


I actually thought as far as cost was concerned - Zilker Park (http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=933) used too much concrete. I only used about a third of the tee when I threw, and the rest felt like wasted space. And again, how much more are spending in concrete. Flip City (http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=468) is a good general design for how the actual pad should look and Circle C Metro Park @ Slaughter Creek (http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=542) is a great example of what the area around the pad should look like.

[G Bud]

I think the bigger the better. The best I've played on was at Giles Run (http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=2473), which are either 5x10 or 5x12, and they are sweet. Flush to the ground as well. Sometimes the width gets over looked more than the length, but I think bother are equally as important.

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The Tee pads at Giles Run are some of the best I've played from. Not too wide but plenty long. Those guys have done some great thing with that course and continue to. I do believe tee pads can be too big. I would say longer is always better then wider. Isn't that what she said? :rolleyes:

[Innovastar]

I like a good wide tee, so that i feel confortable making my steps on whatever type of drive I am using on that hole. As far as length goes...that has to be set up per hole.

[Ryan P.]

I would say that a circle at least 8' in diameter would be ideal. You wouldn't have any change at all in the angle that you threw off the tee if you were going to spike hyzer over some stuff, annie around something, or whatever. However, circle tees are completely impractical, requiring too much space for some areas, and using too much concrete.

[billnchristy]

enormous x ridiculous

[wolito]

Teepads should be dependent on the length of the hole thrown. I just need a small teepad if the hole is 200 feet let say, but give me a big teepad if I have to throw out to 400 feet or more.

[optidiscic]

http://www.dgcoursereview.com/gallery.php?id=1023&mode=gal
These pads are amazing looking works of art and functionality...I doubt there are pads like these anywhere else!

[harr0140]

I agree with wolito, you dont need much if you end up just standing there and on tight tunnels that are under 225 or so I usually do not have any run up, but anything I need to full power a driver I like to have 5x8 or bigger. Wider is more important to me than longer as I do not fully "RUN" I walk into my x step. So I am going to say 6x10 but many courses 5x8 would be sufficient

[prerube]

Teepads should be dependent on the length of the hole thrown. I just need a small teepad if the hole is 200 feet let say, but give me a big teepad if I have to throw out to 400 feet or more.

good idea

[prerube]

I would say that a circle at least 8' in diameter would be ideal. You wouldn't have any change at all in the angle that you threw off the tee if you were going to spike hyzer over some stuff, annie around something, or whatever. However, circle tees are completely impractical, requiring too much space for some areas, and using too much concrete.

interesting, but possibly overkill

[toothyfish]

Just played a course with 3 1/2 X 8 ft pads, wooden framed filled w/ gravel. While they were well-built and a good idea, they wer VERY difficult, would be better to have no frame at all. No real run up possible.

Box needs to be big enough and positioned to allow several run up/shot options, both LH and RH. 5ft wide min. Could be narrower at the front if it is wider at the back. 8 ft long min, if for a true driving hole.

[AdamCaudle]

I think the bigger the better. The best I've played on was at Giles Run (http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=2473), which are either 5x10 or 5x12, and they are sweet. Flush to the ground as well. Sometimes the width gets over looked more than the length, but I think bother are equally as important.

Some of the worse have been because they weren't long enough, usually the older courses, but I've seen it in on newer ones as well.

So my recommendation is to err on too big, then not big enough. I hope that helps.


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I love those tees!

[captain jack]

Bigger is better. A large flat tee area for longer holes allows me to concentrate on my release more, not having to worry about footing, or rolling an ankle.
I have not seen one yet, but I think the best tee would be " Y " shaped, with the open end facing away from the basket. This would allow players to use a safe runup from either left or right, ending at the same hack line.
Ytee
















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