Golfers often pay careful attention to their clubs and balls, but the choice of golf tee can be just as significant. While wood and plastic tees might seem interchangeable, they each have specific properties that can influence performance and sustainability on the course.

This article will provide a detailed comparison of plastic and wood golf tees, examining their materials, durability, environmental impact, and performance characteristics. By the end, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the key differences and practical considerations to help you decide which type of tee is best suited for your game.

Benefits of Plastic Golf Tees

Here are the major benefits you get from plastic tees:

Durability and Longevity

One of the most significant advantages of plastic golf tees is their durability. Unlike wooden tees, which can break after just a few uses or even a single shot, plastic tees are designed to withstand repeated impacts. 

This is because they are made from resilient materials such as polycarbonate or other synthetic polymers, which are specifically engineered to endure the stresses of modern golf swings. For players who practice regularly or play frequently, this translates to fewer broken tees and a longer lifespan for each one.

The longevity of plastic tees also means fewer replacements are needed over time, which can lead to modest cost savings. Although plastic tees are often more expensive upfront compared to wooden tees, their extended lifespan usually makes them more economical in the long run.

Consistent Height and Shape

Plastic tees are manufactured with precision, ensuring consistent height and shape across all units. This uniformity allows golfers to achieve a more consistent ball height, which is critical for maintaining a predictable ball flight and maximizing distance and accuracy off the tee. 

For players working on their swing consistency, this can be a valuable advantage, as it reduces one variable in the setup.

Additionally, many plastic tees feature design enhancements, such as pronged or shallow cup tops, to reduce friction at impact. These features can help reduce spin and promote a cleaner ball launch, particularly for drives.

Resistance to Weather and Environmental Factors

Plastic tees perform well in a variety of weather conditions. Wooden tees can become saturated and weaken when exposed to moisture or wet ground, increasing the likelihood of breakage. 

Plastic tees, on the other hand, are resistant to water and maintain their strength even in damp conditions. This resistance to environmental factors makes them a reliable choice for all-weather golfers who play in diverse climates and conditions.

Ease of Use and Visibility

Plastic tees are often available in bright colors or even neon shades, which can make them easier to find after a shot. This visibility reduces the chances of losing tees and helps maintain a clean and organized approach on the course. 

Furthermore, many plastic tees come with features such as height markers, making it easier to set the ball at the desired height without guesswork.

Advantages of Wooden Golf Tees

Here’s why getting wooden golf tees is also a smart choice:

Natural Feel and Performance

Wooden golf tees are favored by many traditionalists and experienced golfers because they provide a natural, solid feel at impact. Unlike plastic tees, wooden tees have a slightly rougher texture that can reduce slipping at the point of contact between the tee and the ball. 

This can contribute to a more confident and stable setup, which some players find enhances their comfort and focus on the tee box.

Moreover, because wooden tees are made from natural materials such as birch or bamboo, they produce minimal interference with the ball at launch. Many golfers appreciate the clean, classic interaction of wood with the golf ball, which can promote a more traditional ball flight.

Biodegradability and Environmental Considerations

Wooden tees are biodegradable, making them a more environmentally friendly option compared to plastic. As they break or become lost on the course, they naturally decompose over time without leaving behind microplastics or synthetic residues. 

For environmentally conscious players and golf courses with sustainability initiatives, this can be an important factor.

Many wooden tees are produced using responsibly sourced materials and are often considered a greener alternative, particularly as sustainability becomes a greater focus within the golfing community.

Cost-Effective and Readily Available

Wooden golf tees tend to be more affordable than plastic tees. They are widely available at most golf retailers and pro shops, typically in large quantities at a lower cost per tee. This makes them an economical choice for players who do not mind replacing tees more often. 

For beginners or those who prefer the simplicity of a straightforward, traditional tee, wooden options are often the first choice.

Simplicity and Tradition

Many players appreciate the simplicity and tradition associated with wooden tees. Their basic design and natural composition align with the history and heritage of the game, and they have been a standard feature in golf for decades. This familiarity can be reassuring, especially for golfers who value the classic aspects of the sport.

Wooden vs Plastic Tees: What’s the Difference?

Here’s how wooden and plastic tees compare:

Material Composition and Durability

The most obvious difference between wooden and plastic golf tees is the material from which they are made. Wooden tees are crafted from natural materials, typically hardwoods like birch or bamboo, giving them a solid feel and a traditional aesthetic. Plastic tees, in contrast, are made from synthetic polymers engineered to withstand repeated impacts.

When it comes to durability, plastic tees have a clear advantage. Their flexible, resilient construction allows them to bend and absorb impacts without breaking as easily as wooden tees. 

Wooden tees, while sturdy, tend to break or splinter more frequently, especially when used with metal woods or driver shots that generate more force. Players who want to minimize tee breakage and replacement often lean towards plastic options for their longer lifespan.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Environmental considerations also play an important role in the debate between wooden and plastic tees. Wooden tees are biodegradable and break down naturally over time, leaving no synthetic waste behind. 

Many are sourced from sustainably managed forests, offering an environmentally friendly choice for players and courses focused on reducing their ecological footprint.

Plastic tees, on the other hand, are not biodegradable. They can remain on the course for extended periods and contribute to microplastic pollution if not properly collected and disposed of. 

This environmental impact has led some players and golf courses to prefer wooden tees, despite the higher breakage rate, in an effort to support sustainability and reduce plastic waste.

Consistency and Performance

Plastic tees are manufactured to precise specifications, offering a consistent shape and height for every tee in the pack. This uniformity is especially valuable for players seeking reliable ball positioning to maximize launch conditions and distance. 

Additionally, many plastic tees feature specialized designs, such as pronged or shallow cup tops, that can reduce friction and promote cleaner contact with the ball.

Wooden tees offer a more traditional experience and feel. While they may lack some of the modern design features of plastic tees, their simplicity and natural construction are appreciated by many players for their reliable, straightforward performance. 

However, because wooden tees can vary slightly in height and shape due to their organic origin, players may need to adjust them more frequently to ensure the desired ball position.

Cost and Availability

Wooden tees generally come at a lower upfront cost compared to plastic tees, and they are widely available in golf shops and driving ranges. This makes them an attractive option for players who prefer a more budget-friendly choice or do not mind replacing tees more often. 

Plastic tees, though more expensive initially, can become more cost-effective over time because of their durability and reduced need for frequent replacement.

Wooden vs Plastic Tees: Which One to Choose?

Choosing between wooden and plastic golf tees depends on your priorities and playing style. 

Wooden tees are biodegradable, offering an environmentally friendly option for players who value sustainability and prefer the classic feel and tradition of the game. They are also generally more affordable, making them a sensible choice for players who do not mind replacing them frequently. 

Plastic tees, on the other hand, are more durable and maintain consistent height and shape, which can help players seeking more uniform ball positioning and long-term savings. 

Ultimately, wooden tees suit those who prioritize tradition and environmental considerations, while plastic tees cater to those who value longevity and consistency on the course.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are wooden golf tees better for the environment?

Yes, wooden golf tees are more environmentally friendly because they are biodegradable and made from natural materials. They break down naturally over time and do not contribute to microplastic pollution, making them an ideal choice for players and courses focused on sustainability.

Do plastic golf tees affect ball flight?

Plastic golf tees can reduce friction at impact due to their smoother surfaces and specialized designs, like pronged or shallow cup tops. This can lead to cleaner ball launches and potentially more consistent ball flight, especially for players seeking predictable performance off the tee.