In a golf game, the smallest details can add up and make a big difference on the course. One such detail is the golf tee. 

The golf tee is often underestimated, and many players do not realize how significantly it can impact your performance and alter the trajectory of your shots. The fact is that a tee should be chosen only after you fully understand how different materials, lengths, and designs determine the outcome of your game. 

In this article, we provide you with a thorough and precise guide to choosing the right golf tee.

What are Golf Tees?

In the game of golf, a tee is used to hold the ball off the ground for the first shot on each hole, i.e. the tee shot. This elevation of the ball allows for a cleaner contact, reduces ground interference, and therefore helps players hit the optimal distance with accuracy. 

Since the height with a particular tee always remains the same, golf tees are also useful in developing a repeatable and reliable swing, especially for beginners. 

Tees are available in different materials and sizes, both of which are responsible for the difference in ways each tee impacts gameplay. 

Let’s take a look at the types of golf tees:

Wooden Tees

Wooden tees are the classic and most traditional option. Generally made from hardwoods such as maple or birch, they provide excellent stability and a familiar feel. Wooden tees are biodegradable, making them an environmentally friendly choice. However, they can break easily, especially if the player makes contact with the tee instead of the ball.

Plastic Tees

Plastic tees have grown in popularity due to their durability. They can endure multiple hits without splintering, offering better value in the long term. Plastic tees come in a wide range of colors and are less likely to snap upon impact, though they may bend after repeated use, which can affect their stability.

Brush Tees

Brush tees feature a bristled top, allowing the ball to rest on soft, flexible bristles instead of a rigid surface. This design minimizes friction and resistance during the swing, potentially enhancing ball speed and accuracy. Hence, they are 

Rubber and Composite Tees

Rubber and composite tees are typically used in practice areas or by players seeking maximum durability. They combine synthetic and natural materials to offer a balance of resilience and performance. 

These tees are less likely to damage clubfaces and can withstand repeated use, making them a practical choice for high-volume practice sessions.

Specialty Tees

Specialty tees cater to specific playing styles and preferences. Adjustable-height tees allow players to customize their tee height for different clubs or shot types, providing enhanced versatility. 

Other specialty designs aim to reduce spin, promote higher launch angles, or optimize low-spin drives. 

Mostly, experienced players are the ones going for specialty tees as it provides them a tailored approach to the game.

Why Choosing the Right Golf Tee Matters

Many players fail to realize how huge of an impact something as seemingly small as a golf tee can have on your game. Let’s take a look:

Varying Ball Height

One of the most critical reasons to choose the right golf tee is to ensure a consistent ball height. Consistency at address promotes a reliable swing path, optimizing both distance and accuracy. When the ball is teed at the same height repeatedly, players can fine-tune their mechanics and reduce variability in their shots.

Wooden tees provide a stable, uniform platform, but they are more prone to breakage, which can sometimes result in slightly different tee heights on subsequent shots. Plastic tees, on the other hand, are more durable and offer consistent performance even after multiple uses. 

Brush tees maintain an exceptionally consistent height due to their bristle structure, while rubber and composite tees, especially those with adjustable designs, give players the ability to customize and maintain exact ball heights for different clubs and shot types.

Ball Flight and Launch Angle

The launch angle of a shot is heavily influenced by the height and stability of the tee. Proper tee height allows players to strike the ball on the optimal part of the clubface, which is essential for achieving the desired ball flight.

Wooden tees offer reliable ball positioning when intact, supporting a balanced launch angle, though they are limited by their fixed height. Plastic tees, due to their variety of lengths, cater to players seeking slightly higher or lower launch angles. 

Brush tees reduce tee interference, allowing for a cleaner, more efficient launch and promoting higher launch angles with less spin. Rubber and composite tees, particularly in practice settings, help players refine launch angles repeatedly without the risk of breakage.

Impact on Spin and Distance

Spin rate is another key performance factor directly linked to tee height and ball contact. Excessive spin can lead to loss of distance and control, while too little spin can reduce carry and accuracy.

Wooden tees, being rigid, tend to provide a pure and direct strike, producing natural spin rates aligned with the player’s swing. Plastic tees behave similarly but with the added benefit of reusability. 

Brush tees are designed to reduce resistance and friction at impact, often lowering unwanted spin and boosting overall distance. Rubber and composite tees do not directly affect spin, but their consistent durability allows players to experiment and fine-tune their spin rates during practice.

Strength 

Durability also plays a crucial role in tee selection. A tee that breaks after a single use can disrupt a player’s rhythm and add unnecessary expense. In contrast, durable tees maintain performance round after round.

Wooden tees are generally considered disposable and biodegradable, making them environmentally friendly but less durable. Plastic tees are highly durable and long-lasting, reducing the frequency of replacement but raising concerns about environmental sustainability if not disposed of properly. 

Brush tees and rubber composite tees excel in longevity, with brush tees specifically engineered for extended use and composite tees designed to withstand repeated practice sessions.

Work Differently with Different Clubs

Finally, the right tee choice must accommodate different club types and shot strategies. Drivers typically require higher tees to promote an upward angle of attack, while fairway woods and hybrids often need slightly lower tees for more controlled, penetrating ball flights.

Wooden tees are available in various lengths to suit different clubs, though they require frequent replacement. Plastic tees offer even more versatility in height and length, catering to all club types. 

Brush tees automatically adjust to some degree because of their flexible bristles, while adjustable-height rubber and composite tees provide complete control over tee height, regardless of club selection.

How to Choose a Golf Tee?

If you’re still confused on how to choose your perfect golf tee, let is break it down for you:

Height and Launch

Tee height plays a significant role in launch angle and spin control. A higher tee promotes an upward angle of attack with the driver, resulting in maximum distance and carry. Conversely, fairway woods and hybrids perform best with a lower tee height, providing a controlled ball flight and consistent strike.

Material 

Wooden tees remain a traditional and biodegradable choice, offering stability and a familiar feel. However, they break easily upon impact and require frequent replacement. Plastic tees have gained popularity due to their resilience, capable of enduring multiple hits without snapping. 

While not as environmentally friendly, their longevity can be advantageous. Brush tees, equipped with soft, flexible bristles, reduce friction at impact, promoting higher launch angles and reduced spin. Rubber and composite tees provide unmatched durability, making them practical for practice settings and repeated use.

Club Compatibility

The choice of tee should correspond with the club being used. Drivers typically demand longer tees for an optimal upward strike, while irons and hybrids require shorter tees for precise contact. Adjustable and specialty tees cater to these variations, ensuring reliable ball placement for each club type.

Environmental Impact

Environmental considerations should not be overlooked. Wooden tees, though prone to breakage, decompose naturally and have minimal environmental impact. In contrast, plastic tees, if not disposed of responsibly, contribute to environmental waste. 

Brush and composite tees last longer, reducing the number of tees used, though their environmental footprint depends on material composition.

Skill Level and Play Style

Beginners benefit from using tees that offer consistent height and durability, reducing variables during practice and play. Intermediate players may experiment with different materials and heights to refine their swing mechanics and achieve greater consistency. 

Advanced players typically seek specialty tees that allow for precise adjustments, aligning with specific playing styles and optimizing performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tee should I play with as a beginner?

For beginners, it is best to go for plastic or wooden tees set up at the standard length. This way, you get a consistent height to practice your swing, which ultimately makes you a better player as you advance and move to a different tee. 

How do I choose the right height for my tee?

As a general rule, choose a tee height that makes sure the ball sits about half above the driver’s clubface and just above the fairway’s leading edge for irons.