Most golfers will admit to considering such an option, as it is a natural reaction to conditions that are perceived to be more difficult. The issue, however, is that it has to work both ways.

How often do we consider playing off the back tees because the course is firm and playing shorter than its yardage? Golf is about testing yourself in all conditions. It simply isn't a fair test of golfing aptitude when the traditional routine is broken to account for seasonal disparity.

Handicaps

When a handicap is awarded, it is evidence that you are good enough to play to a certain standard, period. There is no mention of seasonal variation. Simply put, if your handicap is 18 in summer, your handicap is 18 in winter.

If you play off white tees in the summer but yellow tees in the winter, you are giving yourself an advantage. Shorter courses do not guarantee better scoring, but it is certainly of benefit. If your handicap has been awarded based on scores off the white tees, it is unacceptable to play from the yellow tees. Regardless of the fact that the Standard Scratch Score may differ between the two sets of tees, you are attempting to make it easier for yourself to achieve a better score.

It isn't just a case of cheating the system, but also cheating yourself. Rounds in winter may not be played with handicap modification in mind. You might argue that it is a nice bonus to have the opportunity to play golf in the winter and, as such, scoring and tees utilised are irrelevant.

If score is irrelevant, then why change tees at all? If score remains relevant in winter, as it does for most, then the same applies.

The round of your life?

Golf is a competitive game and is seen as such by almost all that play the sport. The feeling when you step onto the first tee is hope. Hope that today will be the round of your life.

Any round started off forward tees renders redundant the eventual outcome. Say you are a proficient golfer who plays from the whites.... Your best round to date is 80. One winter's day you play from the yellows and play as well as you ever have, shooting 78.

How many people would consider this a legitimate record? While not directly responsible for the 78, playing off forward tees has been a contributing factor. It can't be considered a 'best round' because you moved to the forward tees to offer an advantage. You wouldn't have done that in summer, so why think it acceptable in winter?

Conditions

Part of the draw of any sport played outside is that conditions are changeable and present different challenges at different times of year. Conditions may be different, but that doesn't mean our routine should be.

Playing off forward tees also increases the angle between tee box and fairway, adding an extra dimension to the argument that it presents an advantage.

Next time you consider playing from forward tees in winter, ask yourself how you would feel if you were to shoot the round of your life.