When you first start golf, everything seems confusing. You enter a shop and there are piles of tees in different sizes, shapes, and colors, and you wonder if selecting the correct one is some kind of rocket science.

The reality is, choosing a golf tee isn't difficult at all. But doing it right in the first place can make a huge difference in how much enjoyment you get out of the game.

Most new golfers take the lowest-priced pack or reuse the same golf tee for all shots. Spending only five minutes on learning the fundamentals will result in your playing better shots and loving the game even more.

In this blog, we will break it down step-by-step, so you’ll know exactly what golf tee to use, when to use it, and why it matters. Since you are a beginner, let’s start with the basics.

What Is a Golf Tee?

A tee is a small stick that supports the golf ball above the grass.

You drive it into the grass and then put the ball on top of it. This will make it simpler to strike the ball cleanly with your club, particularly on your first shot.

Golf tees are typically wood or plastic, and they vary in size. Despite its small size, a golf tee helps you make good shots when you use it properly.

Why Tee Height Even Matters

You’d think a little peg wouldn’t change much, but it does - more than you actually know.

Tee height changes how your clubface meets the ball. If the ball is too high, you might swing under it and pop it up. If it’s too low, you might hit down on it and lose distance or make it hook.

That’s why beginners should learn the basics of tee height early. It’s one of the easiest things to fix, and it can quickly improve your shots.

Understanding Tee Sizes: What Are Your Options?

Golf tees come in a variety of lengths, usually ranging from 1.5 inches to 4 inches. Most are color-coded or labeled to help you pick the right one. Here’s a quick overview:

• Short tees (1.5"- 2.25"): Great for irons and hybrids.
  

• Medium tees (2.5"- 2.75"): Ideal for fairway woods and smaller drivers.
  

• Long tees (3"- 4"): Best for drivers, especially larger 460cc ones.
  

So the size of your club and the type of shot you're hitting really matter when picking a tee.

What’s the Best Tee Size for Beginners?

If you're just starting out, keep things simple with this golden rule.

The best golf tee size for beginners is usually around 2.75 inches. This size gives you the flexibility to use it with both drivers and fairway woods while still being short enough to work with irons in a pinch.

Why 2.75"? Because it’s like the “medium” soda of golf tees. Not too tall, not too short, just right for learning the game.

Matching Tee Size to the Club You’re Using

Every club wants a different setup, and your tee needs to follow the lead.

Driver (460cc)

• Best tee height: 2.75" to 4"
  

• How to tee it up: The top half of the ball should sit above the top edge of the clubface.
  

• Why: It helps you hit up on the ball for max distance.
  
  

Fairway Wood

• Best tee height: 2.25" to 2.75"
  

• How to tee it up: Ball should be just above the clubface when resting on the ground.
  

• Why: You want a slightly sweeping motion, not a steep hit.
  
  

Hybrids and Irons

• Best tee height: 1.5" to 2.25"
  

• How to tee it up: Just a tiny bit above the grass, like barely lifted.
  

• Why: Irons are meant to hit down on the ball, not sweep under it.
  

If you have different tee sizes in your bag, it helps you set up correctly every time.

The Easiest Way to Check Tee Height

You don’t need a ruler or a measuring tape to know the height of your tee. Your clubface is the measuring stick.

When you’re holding your club behind the ball at address:

• For drivers: Top half of the ball should be visible above the clubface.
  

• For fairway woods: Ball should be about level with the clubface.
  

• For irons: Just the bottom dimple of the ball should be above the grass.
  

Once you start checking this every time, it becomes second nature.

Mistakes Beginners Make With Tee Height

If you're just getting into golf, it's easy to overlook tee height. But paying attention here can help you hit better shots and have more fun on the course. Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

1. Teeing it too high - This often causes sky balls or pop-ups.

2. Teeing it too low - Leads to hitting the ground or slicing the ball.
   

3. Using the same tee height for every club - That’s like wearing the same shoes for running and swimming. Definitely not a good idea.
   

4. Not paying attention at all - Most beginners don’t even think about tee height until they lose distance or accuracy.

Avoiding these small mistakes can save you strokes and frustration.

Plastic vs. Wooden Tees: Does It Matter?

You might think it’s just about style or price, but the type of tee you use can actually make a difference.

Plastic tees last a long time. They usually bend instead of snapping, so you won’t have to replace them as often. That helps save money in the long run.

Wooden tees break more easily, especially if you hit the ground. But they’re better for the environment and give a solid, traditional feel when you tee up.

If you're just starting out, you can use either one. But plastic tees with height lines or stripes can be really helpful. Those little markers show you exactly how deep to push the tee into the ground, which helps you build good habits and stay consistent with your shots.

Should You Always Use a Tee?

Not always, but when you can, you should.

Teeing the ball gives you the best chance of hitting clean shots, especially off the tee box. Even pros use tees with irons sometimes for their first shot.

But once you're on the fairway or rough, no tees allowed, then it’s all about ground contact.

A Handy Golf Tee Height Chart for Beginners

We have compiled this golf tee height chart to help you. Print it, save it, or screenshot it.

Tip: Keep a few tees from each category in your bag.

How Weather and Ground Conditions Affect Your Tee Choice

You don’t play golf in a vacuum, and your tee setup shouldn’t either.

• Hard ground: Shorter plastic tees work better because they’re easier to push in.
  

• Soft ground: Longer tees may sink too deep. Watch your ball height carefully.
  

• Windy days: Tee it slightly lower to keep your shot lower and straighter.
  
  

Being aware of your environment can help you make smart tee choices on the fly.

Are Adjustable Tees a Good Idea?

If you’re all about keeping it simple, this might be a game-changer.

Adjustable or fixed-height tees have built-in stoppers that make sure your ball is always the same height - great for beginners who want consistency without thinking about measurements.

Just make sure you choose a set with different height options so you’re not stuck using the same one for every club.

Tips to Build the Perfect Pre-Shot Routine With Tees

A good routine = better focus = better golf. Simple math.

1. Pick the right club for the shot.

2. Choose the correct tee height.
   

3. Place the tee in line with your target.
   

4. Step back and double-check alignment.
   

5. Take a deep breath, then swing.
   

Doing this every time builds confidence and consistency.

Golf Tees Are Cheap, But Mistakes Are Expensive

A pack of tees might cost a few bucks, but poor shots can cost you games.

As a beginner, your goal is to make everything easier. The right tee size takes one more variable out of the game. You stop guessing and start focusing on your swing.

So don’t treat golf tees like an afterthought. They might be small, but they carry a big impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some FAQs about finding the right golf tee size for beginners.

What if I only have one tee size?

If it’s 2.75", you're fine for most beginner shots. Just push it deeper for irons and keep it high for drivers.

Should kids use different tees?

Yes! Shorter tees (1.5"–2") are better for junior clubs and slower swing speeds.

Can I reuse broken tees?

You can, but it’s better to use a full-sized tee for better control. Plus, broken tees can cause uneven setups.