Every detail in professional golf is deliberate, and that includes the often-overlooked golf tee. Professionals rely on them as precision tools that contribute directly to their performance. 

The type, height, and material of a golf tee can influence spin rate, launch angle, and ball flight, all of which affect distance and accuracy off the tee. Yet, despite their importance, most recreational players give tees little thought.

In this article, we will discuss what types of golf tees pros use and why it’s important to choose the right one.

What are Golf Tees?

A golf tee is a small device used to elevate the golf ball slightly above the ground, primarily for the first stroke on each hole, typically with a driver or fairway wood.

Though seemingly simple, the tee plays a foundational role in the setup and execution of a golfer's shot. It creates an ideal launching platform, reducing resistance from the turf and allowing players to optimize launch conditions such as angle, spin, and trajectory.

Traditionally, tees are inserted into the ground on the designated teeing area of a golf hole. They come in various materials, wood, plastic, and increasingly, biodegradable or composite options, as well as multiple lengths to accommodate different club choices and player preferences.

While the rules of golf permit tees no longer than four inches, most professionals use shorter options suited to their specific driver setup.

A tee’s height can influence the point of impact on the clubface, which in turn affects distance and control. Low tees may be used with irons or hybrids for accuracy, while higher tees typically help achieve an upward angle of attack with drivers.

For pros, consistency and precision are crucial, which is why even small equipment choices like the golf tee are fine-tuned to match swing mechanics, course conditions, and club specifications.

Why is it Important to Choose the Right Golf Tee?

A golf tee is not a minor piece of equipment, and here’s why it’s very important to choose the right one:

Impact on Launch Style and Trajectory

The height and design of the golf tee influence the angle at which the clubhead contacts the ball. A higher tee can encourage an upward angle of attack, which is generally preferred for drivers as it promotes longer carry and reduced spin.

Conversely, a lower tee can produce a flatter ball flight, ideal for windy conditions or for teeing off with irons or fairway woods.

Professionals often experiment with tee height down to the millimeter to fine-tune launch trajectory based on the club they are using, the conditions they are facing, and the ball flight they want to achieve.

Influence on a Ball Spin and Distance

Spin is a crucial factor in determining the total distance a golf ball will travel. A poorly chosen tee can result in excessive spin, which reduces rollout and total yardage.

Using a tee that complements the player's swing path and driver loft helps achieve optimal spin rates, typically low for maximum distance with a driver, and more controlled for woods or hybrids.

Professionals use tees that help them strike the ball slightly above the center of the clubface to generate high launch with minimal spin, a combination critical for long, accurate drives.

Consistency and Contact Point Control

Professional golfers rely on consistency, and one overlooked element of that consistency is using the same type and height of tee every time.

Using the wrong tee can lead to inconsistent contact, either too low on the face, resulting in a thin shot, or too high, leading to mis-hits off the top edge of the clubface. Consistent tee height helps ensure the club contacts the ball at the intended point, maximizing energy transfer and control.

Compatibility with Different Clubs

Not all tees are equally suited to every club. For example, a driver may perform best with a longer tee, while an iron shot off the tee typically requires a much lower setup.

Many professionals carry multiple tee sizes for this reason, ensuring that each club is paired with a tee height that matches its specific loft and use case. Choosing the wrong tee for the club in play can lead to reduced accuracy, distance, or both.

Adapting to Course and Weather Conditions

External factors such as course firmness, wind direction, and grass height can influence tee selection. On softer turf, a player may need a longer tee to maintain height. In windy conditions, a lower ball flight is usually desirable, necessitating a lower tee.

Professionals adjust their tee choice to accommodate these variables, using the tee as part of their broader game strategy rather than a fixed tool.

Confidence and Familiarity

Professional players often stick to a preferred tee design not just for physical reasons but also for mental comfort. Familiarity with a specific tee style or height can boost confidence at address, helping players commit more fully to their swing.

In a game where psychological control is as important as technical precision, even a small factor like tee preference can influence performance.

What are the Different Types of Golf Tees Pros Use?

Here are the different tees golf pros go for:

Standard Wooden Tees

Despite modern alternatives, traditional wooden tees continue to be the most commonly used type among professionals. They are available in multiple lengths, are biodegradable, and allow players to customize the tee height by pushing them into the ground as desired.

Many pros favor wooden tees because they provide a stable and consistent feel at impact, which contributes to more predictable ball flight. Additionally, wooden tees break upon impact, and some professionals use this as feedback, if a tee breaks cleanly in a certain direction, it can indicate how centered or off-center the strike was.

Another reason wooden tees remain in use is their minimal interference with ball contact. They do not create additional friction, nor do they flex or twist like some plastic tees. On courses with firm or closely mown tee boxes, wooden tees are often easier to insert and remain more stable during the setup, especially for driver shots.

Their simplicity and reliability continue to make them the default choice for many tour-level players.

Plastic Tees

Plastic tees are another popular option, particularly for practice rounds or high-volume training sessions. These tees are appreciated for their durability; unlike wooden tees, they typically do not break after each shot, which can be helpful during long practice sessions.

Additionally, plastic tees are often designed with pronged or low-resistance heads that minimize contact with the ball. This reduction in friction can, in some cases, lead to slightly improved distance and spin control.

Despite these benefits, plastic tees are not universally preferred by professionals. On firm ground, they can flex or wobble more easily, compromising stability. Moreover, some players simply dislike the feel or sound at impact.

Nevertheless, plastic tees are still chosen by a segment of players who prioritize consistent height and long-term usability, especially when practicing specific launch metrics.

Brush Tees

Brush tees feature bristles instead of a solid cup to hold the ball. They are designed to eliminate nearly all resistance at impact, allowing the clubhead to pass through the ball with virtually no interference.

This can theoretically enhance ball speed and reduce unwanted spin. For professionals testing launch conditions, brush tees are sometimes used during training or fitting sessions, where controlling every variable is crucial.

However, brush tees are rarely seen during competitive rounds. While they do offer scientific advantages in controlled settings, many pros find them unreliable on uneven ground, and some tournament regulations discourage their use.

Zero Friction and Anti-Spin Tees

Some pros opt for specialty tees designed specifically to reduce friction and spin. These include pronged tees, slotted tees, or those made by manufacturers like Zero Friction or Martini.

By minimizing the contact area between the ball and the tee, these products aim to reduce the drag and unwanted side spin that could alter the ball’s trajectory.

While not all professionals endorse these tees for competition, they are sometimes used in windy conditions or on courses with tight fairways, where every yard of control matters. Their aerodynamic benefits are subtle but appreciated by players who analyze their swing and launch data down to the finest detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are castle tees banned in pro golf competitions?

Castle tees, also known as step tees, are often banned in professional tournaments because they artificially standardize tee height, which can confer an advantage in launch consistency. Professional golf places high value on skill, adaptability, and course conditions.

These tees remove the need for players to adjust tee height based on strategy or terrain. As such, many tours and governing bodies prohibit them to preserve the competitive integrity and variability of the game.

What are environmentally friendly tees, and are they good for professional golf?

Environmentally friendly tees are made from biodegradable or sustainable materials like bamboo, cornstarch, or recycled wood pulp.

While many players do prefer eco-conscious initiatives, the adoption of these tees in golf is still limited. This is primarily due to performance preferences, as traditional wooden tees offer a familiar feel and consistency.