Mid-Handicap golfer who loves to share his rounds and experiences playing courses all around the UK in a hope that it will help others find those hidden gem golf courses.
I seek out golf courses that don’t get the credit they deserve and are often overlooked for the bigger more well known ones.
The right tee can help your game by improving accuracy and distance whilst reducing spin.
With the variety of shapes, sizes, and materials available on the market today, it is important to choose a tee that suits your playing style.
However, not everyone uses a tee and back in the old days people used a small pile of sand to tee off.
Today, some players like Laura Davies make a natural tee from the turf on the tee box.
It’s not something I like to see done. But, it works for them.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the various types of golf tees and how you can improve your game by picking the right tee for your shot and skill level.
Tee it high and let it fly
JohnDaly
Key Takeaway
- Golf tees are small pegs, typically made of wood or plastic, used to elevate a golf ball for the initial shot in each hole in a game of golf.
- Golf tees do make a difference as their type, material, and height can impact the distance, accuracy, and trajectory of your golf shots.
- Golf tees come in various types including wooden, plastic, bamboo, brush, anti-slice, and zero friction tees, each with unique characteristics and benefits for different playing styles and preferences.
- Some player make a turf tee and don’t use man made tees
What Are Golf Tees?
Golf tees are small pegs used to elevate the golf ball off the ground for the initial shot on each hole.
In the game of golf, a tee is a small peg, typically made of wood or plastic, that is used to hold the golf ball off the ground. This elevation allows the golfer to strike the ball cleanly with the club on the first stroke, or ‘tee shot’, of each hole.
The tee is pushed into the ground in a designated area called the teeing ground. Once the ball is placed on top of the tee, the golfer takes their stance and hits the ball towards the green.
The use of a tee can help to increase control, accuracy, and distance of the tee shot. It can also inspire confidence off the tee as the ball seems easier to hit if it’s slightly raised off the ground.
Do Golf Tees Make a Difference?
Yes, golf tees do make a difference for the average golfer.
The type of golf tee you use can have a significant impact on your game. Tees come in various lengths, materials, and designs, each with its own set of benefits.
For example, longer tees are generally used for drivers and can help achieve greater distance by allowing the golfer to hit the ball higher on the clubface.
On the other hand, shorter tees are typically used for fairway woods or irons where control and accuracy are more important.
The material of the tee can also affect the durability and performance; plastic tees tend to last longer than wooden ones, but wooden tees can offer a classic feel that some golfers prefer.
Additionally, some tees have special designs intended to reduce friction or increase stability, which can potentially improve your shot’s accuracy and distance.
However, the effectiveness of these features can vary greatly from player to player, so it’s always a good idea to experiment with different types of tees to find what works best for your unique swing and style of play.
Types Of Golf Tees
Golf tees come in various types, each with unique characteristics and benefits.
Wooden Tees
Wooden tees are the most traditional type of golf tee. They are typically made from hardwood and are known for their simplicity and reliability. However, wooden tees can break easily, which means golfers often need to carry several replacements during a round. Despite this, many professionals still prefer wooden tees due to their consistent performance.
Plastic Tees
Plastic tees are praised for their durability. They can withstand multiple hits without breaking, making them a cost-effective option for many golfers. Some plastic tees are also designed with less friction points, potentially allowing for cleaner strikes and longer distances. However, they are not as environmentally friendly as wooden or bamboo tees.
Bamboo Tees
Bamboo tees combine the best features of wooden and plastic tees. They are strong and durable like plastic tees, but are also biodegradable and environmentally friendly like wooden tees. Bamboo tees are becoming increasingly popular among eco-conscious golfers.
Brush Tees
Brush tees feature bristles at the top where the ball rests, instead of a traditional cup. The bristles reduce the friction between the ball and the tee, which can lead to longer and straighter drives. However, brush tees are more expensive than other types and may not be allowed in certain tournaments.
Anti-Slice Tees
Anti-slice tees are designed to correct a golfer’s slice (when the ball curves to the right for right-handed players, or to the left for left-handed players). They tilt the ball toward the opposite direction of the slice, encouraging a straighter hit. While they can be helpful for recreational players struggling with a slice, they are not typically used by professionals.
Key differences – Golf Slice vs Hook
Zero Friction Tees
Zero friction tees have a three-pronged or four-pronged design at the top where the ball rests. This reduces the surface area that comes into contact with the ball, leading to less friction during the hit and potentially longer distances. They are made from durable plastic materials and come in various lengths.
What Golf Tees Do Most Pros Use?
Most professional golfers prefer to use straight hardwood golf tees, which are simple in design and offer reliable performance.
While there is a variety of golf tees available on the market, from plastic to bamboo, the majority of professionals on the PGA tour tend to favor straight hardwood tees.
These wooden tees may not be unique or special, but they are trusted by professionals for their straightforward design and consistent performance.
Notably, many pros don’t even carry their own tees, often using the free ones provided at tournaments.
It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly why professionals predominantly stick to wooden tees, but it could be attributed to tradition, personal preference, or simply the fact that these tees have proven effective over time.
The size of the tee can also vary, with options like 2 3/4 inch or 3 1/4 inch tees available, but the choice often depends on the specific shot the golfer intends to make. Regardless of the type and size, the most important factor remains the golfer’s skill and technique in utilizing the tee to achieve the desired shot.
Is It Better To Use Plastic or Wood Tees?
| Wooden Tees | Plastic Tees | |
| Durability | Less durable, can break easily | More durable, withstands more hits |
| Cost | Typically cheaper | Slightly more expensive |
| Environmental Impact | Biodegradable, less impact on environment | Not biodegradable, higher environmental impact |
| Performance | Trusted by professionals, consistent performance | Some designs may reduce friction and increase distance |
| Availability | Widely available | Widely available |
FAQs
Q: Do golf tees make a difference in driving distance?
A: Yes, the type of tee you use can affect your driving distance. Different types of tees, such as plastic tees, wooden tees, or bamboo golf tees, can impact the height of the tee and ultimately the trajectory and distance of your shot.
Q: What are the best golf tees to use?
A: The best golf tees to use will depend on personal preference and the type of club you are using. Some golfers prefer wooden tees for their traditional feel, while others find plastic tees more durable. Bamboo golf tees are also gaining popularity for their eco-friendly nature.
Q: How does the height of the tee affect driving distance?
A: The height of the tee can affect driving distance by influencing the angle of the clubface at impact. A tee that is too low may cause the golfer to strike the ball on the ground or “top” it, resulting in shorter distance. On the other hand, a tee that is too high may lead to a high launch angle but sacrifice accuracy.
Q: What type of tee should I use for my 3 wood?
A: For a 3 wood, it is generally recommended to use a tee that is slightly lower in height compared to the tee you would use for your driver. This is because a lower tee height helps promote a more controlled and accurate shot with a fairway wood.
Q: Do professional golfers use different types of tees?
A: Yes, professional golfers use different types of tees based on their personal preferences and the specific requirements of the golf course they are playing. Some may prefer wooden tees for a traditional feel, while others may opt for plastic tees for their durability.
Q: Can golf tees make a huge difference in my game?
A: Yes, golf tees can make a huge difference in your game. Using the right tee for your swing and club can help optimize your launch angle, reduce resistance at impact, and improve your overall performance on the course.
Q: What are some other types of golf tees available?
A: Besides plastic, wooden, and bamboo golf tees, there are also specialty tees such as brush tees, martini tees, anti-slice tees, castle tees, and zero friction tees. These tees offer unique features designed to improve performance and address specific swing issues.
Q: Should I tee the ball higher or lower for a driver?
A: The ideal tee height for a driver will vary based on factors such as your swing and the type of driver you are using. Generally, it is recommended to tee the ball higher for a driver to allow for a more sweeping strike and maximize distance.
Q: How do golf tees affect the ball on the tee?
A: Golf tees provide a stable platform for the ball and allow for an optimal strike. The choice of tee can impact the angle of attack and launch conditions, which, in turn, affect the ball’s flight trajectory and potential distance.
Q: Where can I get free tees?
A: Some golf courses or golf equipment stores may offer free tees as part of promotions or giveaways. Additionally, some golf tournaments may provide complimentary tees to participants. It is worth checking with your local golf establishments or keeping an eye out for any special offers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is apparent that golf tees can have a significant impact on your game. They can help you hit the ball farther and straighter, resulting in improved accuracy and better scores.
Golf tees also help protect the club head from damage during tee shots. Furthermore, if you choose the right type of tee for your swing type and playing conditions, it can help you get the most out of your game.
Therefore, it is important to choose the right tee for you and make sure that it is in good condition before each round of golf.
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