I have wanted to post about this topic for a long time and was waiting for a thread on this issue. However, I never saw an opportunity to do so.
I think one of the most under-discussed features on golf courses are tee boxes. Rightfully so, greens and green complexes receive the majority of discussion in golf course architecture. However, I have always been a fan of great tee boxes and "tee box complexes" (if that makes sense). They provide the first look at the hole and help me really frame the hole, but are rarely discussed. I will try and illustrate my thoughts through Bandon as they are likely the most commonly played courses on the site.
First, I think we all agree that the link between a tee box and the previous green is very important. We often talk about the distance between green to tee, which certainly is important (ie. I think the walks between 8 green to 9 tee at Bandon Dunes and 13 green to 14 tee at Bandon Trails really hurt those holes). However, I think this issue is broader and often the longer walks can be acceptable if properly presented. For instance, how interesting and natural is the walk. Does it provide you a "walk along the path" (ie. the walk from 17 green to 18 tee at Pac Dunes), an open walk to the elevated tee ala 11 green to 12 tee at AGNC (ie. 12 green to 13 tee at Bandon Trails), a "revealing moment" walk (ie. 3 green to 4 tee at Pac Dunes where you climb the small hill and the ocean is right there), or a "walk through the woods" where you feel like you are going to a new portion of the course (ie. 6 green to 7 tee at Bandon Trails).
Second, I have found that tee boxes that blend into the area are much more favorable than an artificially "raised" tee box. I understand the the elevated tee is generally preferred to non-elevated tees. However, it has to be natural or it loses something to me. At Bandon, I simply love the tee boxes at #1 at Old Mac and #1 at Bandon Dunes. They are so natural walks from the clubhouse that they just feel "right". I think all of the tee boxes at Old Mac provide the best example of natural tee boxes. They just have a great "feel" to them. Meanwhile, while my favorite course at the resort, the first tee at Pacific Dunes is my least favorite as it seems somewhat artificial (even if it was a natural mound). I think it would have been better as a non-elevated tee box underneath the dune to the right in a "shute". Another example is #2 at Bandon Dunes which just seems contrived.
Anyone else have thoughts on what they like in tee boxes and how they impact your view of a hole?