Choosing the right golf tee might seem like a small detail, but it’s one of the few variables you can completely control on the course, and it genuinely affects your tee shots. Getting your tee selection and height correct builds a foundation of consistency for your driver, fairway woods, and even irons on par 3s. This guide will walk you through the different types of tees, how to pick the right length, and which options are best suited for your game.
In a word, yes. But maybe not for the reasons you think. While some companies make big claims about adding 5, 10, or even 15 yards to your drives, the real benefit of a quality golf tee comes down to two simple things: consistency and confidence. The best tee for you is one that allows you to reliably peg the ball at the exact same height every single time, giving you one less thing to worry about when you step up to swing.
As a coach, I see so many golfers struggle with their driver simply because their tee height is all over the place. One shot is teed to the sky, the next is practically on the turf. This inconsistency leads to topped shots, sky marks on the top of your driver, and a general lack of confidence with the biggest club in your bag.
Modern golf tees are also designed to minimize friction at impact. Think about it: as the clubhead makes contact with the ball, anything between them creates resistance. While a wooden peg doesn't add a ton of friction, specialized designs aim to reduce it even further. Less friction means a more efficient transfer of energy from the club to the ball, which can lead to slightly higher ball speed and lower spin - the perfect recipe for more distance. It won't turn a 220-yard drive into a 280-yard monster, but every little bit helps.
The golf tee aisle can be surprisingly overwhelming. From simple wood pegs to futuristic plastic a designs, let's break down the most common options to help you figure out what works for you.
This is the classic, old-school standard. Wooden tees are what most golfers start with and what you’ll find in abundance on every golf course. They are simple, get the job done, and are favoured by players who love the traditional feel and sound at impact.
Plastic tees were created to solve the primary complaint about wooden tees: they break too easily. Made from durable composite materials, a single plastic tee can last you several rounds, if not longer.
This category includes a wide variety of innovative designs, all aiming to reduce the friction between the club, tee, and ball at the moment of impact. The theory is that less contact equals more clubhead speed being transferred to the ball.
Do they work? Independent testing shows that low-friction tees can slightly decrease spin and slightly increase ball speed, which might translate to a few extra yards. The difference isn't life-changing, but for a player seeking every possible advantage, they are definitely worth trying.
This is probably the most practical and impactful choice you can make when it comes to your tees. Using the right length for the club you’re hitting is foundational to a good tee shot. A tee that’s too long for an iron will be difficult to manage, while one that’s too short for a modern driver will rob you of distance.
Here’s a breakdown of common tee lengths and what they are best used for:
A great starting point for modern 460cc drivers is to have roughly half of the golf ball showing above the crown (the top) of your driver when you address the ball. This encourages an upward angle of attack, which is ideal for launching the ball high with low spin for maximum distance.
Coach’s Tip: Don’t try to make one tee do everything. Carry at least two lengths in your bag: a longer one (like 3 1/4") for your driver and a shorter one (like 2 1/8") for your par 3 tee shots with an iron or hybrid.
The "best" tee is always going to be subjective, but based on performance, durability, and a consistency of player feedback, here are some excellent options to consider.
Pride is one of the biggest names in wooden tees, and for good reason. Their Professional Tee System is brilliant in its simplicity. Each tee length is color-coded, so a quick glance tells you you’re grabbing the right size. For example, the 3 1/4" "ProLength Plus" tees have a blue band. By pushing the tee into the ground until that color band is flush with the turf, you can achieve a nearly identical tee height every time. It’s a simple but effective way to add consistency to your pre-shot routine.
If you're tired of breaking tees, look no further. The Zero Friction tees are extremely resilient and have a sharp tip that makes them easy to stick in even hard ground. The 3-prong head design minimizes contact with the ball, living up to the company’s name. A pack of these can genuinely last you an entire season. The thicker shaft also has a colored band on it, giving you a reference point for consistent depth, much like the Pride system.
Martini Tees have a cult following. Their oversized, martini glass-shaped cup makes it incredibly easy to balance a ball, and their specialized polymer material is nearly impossible to break. More importantly, they feel great. The design allows the ball to dislodge from the tee with very little resistance, which many players feel translates to a smoother, more powerful feel at impact. If you can get past the non-traditional look, they are fantastic performers.
Let's be honest: you don't need a fancy, high-tech tee to play a good game of golf. The most important thing is having a tee. For the golfer on a budget, or the one who simply prefers the classic approach, buying a bag of 100 or 500 generic wooden tees is the most cost-effective option. You’ll never be short on a tee, and you won’t feel bad when one inevitably snaps and goes flying.
Ultimately, the best golf tee is the one that gives you the most confidence when you step onto the tee box. Whether it's a trusty wooden tee that offers a consistent height or a low-friction plastic design that you believe gives you another yard or two, the goal is the same: to create a repeatable setup that gives your tee shot the best possible chance for success.
Finding the right tee helps you control the setup, but for true confidence, you also need a smart plan for the hole. This is exactly where our AI golf coach can help. I designed Caddie AI to act as your personal course strategist. When you get to the tee, you can ask for the best way to play the hole, or even get a specific club recommendation based on the yardage and conditions. It removes the doubt so you can make a committed, athletic swing.
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Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i
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