
Golf tees are an essential accessory in a game of golf, and choosing the right tee box can make or break your game. Golf courses typically offer 3–5 sets of tee options, with colours indicating the varying distances from the hole. For instance, red tees are usually for women, juniors, seniors, and beginners, while black tees are designed for professionals and low-handicap golfers. Golf tees also come in a variety of materials, such as wood, plastic, bamboo, and rubber, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The tee/ball connection is an important consideration, as the right tee can enhance the feel, distance, and trajectory of your drive.
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What You'll Learn

Golf tee types: wooden, plastic, bamboo, rubber
Golf tees are an essential piece of equipment, used on almost every hole. There are several types of tees available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Wooden Tees
Wooden tees are a popular choice as they are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. They are also the preferred option for golf pros due to their durability and reliability. However, they can be prone to snapping, especially on hardened turf, and they create more friction than plastic tees, which can decrease a ball's velocity.
Plastic Tees
Plastic tees are stronger and less likely to break than wooden tees, making them a more durable and long-lasting option. They also have less friction, allowing the ball to reach higher velocities. However, they are damaging to the environment as they are made of plastic, which takes a long time to break down and can release toxic chemicals.
Bamboo Tees
Bamboo tees are a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option than wooden or plastic tees. They are also more economical and lower in cost. Bamboo tees are more durable than wooden tees and can be reused multiple times. However, they may not be suitable for all golfers due to the limited sizes, designs, and colors available.
Rubber Tees
Rubber tees are another reusable option, although they can be easily lost, contributing waste to the golf course.
When choosing a golf tee, it is important to consider the number of tees you will need, the clubs you will be using, and the desired height of the tee. The bigger the driver, the longer the tee you will need.
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Choosing tees based on handicap
Golf tees are usually designated by coloured markers, with the back tees being the longest and the forward tees being the shortest. The right tee box for you should provide a fair and enjoyable experience while allowing you to work on improving your game.
If you are a low-handicap golfer, you can play from the set of tees that mimic the yardages on the pro tours (usually the back tees for men). Low-handicap women and seniors might choose the set of tees whose yardage is 250-500 yards less than the averages of the LPGA and Champions tours, respectively.
Mid-handicappers might choose the set of tees whose yardage is around 500-1,000 yards less than the pro tour that represents their gender or age. If you are a mid-handicapper, you can also take your average 5-iron distance, multiply it by 36, and choose the tees that most closely match that yardage. For example, if your 5-iron distance is 150 yards, choose the tees closest to 5,400 yards in length.
High-handicappers should consider the set of tees whose yardage is 1,000 to 1,500 yards less than the pros play. If you are a high-handicap golfer, you can also play from the forward tees, which offer shorter distances and fewer challenges.
Beginners should start from the forward tees. After a round or two from the forward tees, you can decide whether to move back to a longer, tougher set of tees based on your score and your frustration level.
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Tee colours: red, white, yellow/gold, blue, black
Golf tee markers are used to indicate the starting points for each hole, based on skill level, age, or gender. While the colours may vary by course, there are some standardisations.
Red markers generally signify the shortest set of tees on a course, intended for beginners, women, seniors, or juniors. They are also known as the Ladies' tees or forward tees.
White tees are often referred to as the middle tees or the men's tees. They offer a moderate challenge and are ideal for players with mid-range skills.
Yellow or gold tees are often positioned ahead for older players, maintaining a fun and engaging game without overexertion. They are also known as the senior tees.
Blue tees are commonly known as the championship tees or back tees. They are placed further from the green, providing a longer and more challenging distance to the hole. They are suitable for experienced players seeking a challenge.
Black tees, or Championship tees, are the most difficult tees on a course, designed for professionals and highly skilled amateurs. They provide the longest course yardage and are employed in competitive events or professional tournaments.
It is important to note that the colours and their corresponding difficulty levels are not consistent across all courses, so it is always good to check with the golf course to understand their specific tee colour system.
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Tee lengths: how they impact performance
Golf tee lengths can vary, and golfers may choose a tee length based on their club and personal preference. Tees are designed to elevate the ball from the ground, making it easier to hit. The height of the tee influences the angle of attack and launch conditions of the shot. A good rule of thumb is to choose a tee that elevates the ball halfway above the clubhead.
The maximum tee length allowed is 4 inches, which is suited for driver shots with large clubheads, as it raises the ball high above the grass, allowing golfers to get the club directly under the ball for maximum lift. A 3.25-inch tee is also commonly used with drivers and is ideal for longer holes where distance is a factor.
For shorter clubs and holes where distance is less important, smaller tees like the 1.5-inch and 2.125-inch options are ideal. The most popular tee length is 2.75 inches, as it provides a balance between elevation and distance and can be used with a variety of clubs.
Golfers can experiment with different tee lengths to find what works best for their swing and the conditions they face. For example, a shorter tee will produce a lower ball flight, which is advantageous when playing into the wind as it helps to maintain distance.
Additionally, choosing the right tee box for your skill level is crucial. Golf courses typically offer 3-5 tee options, and selecting the appropriate one can enhance the enjoyment and flow of your game. For instance, Red Tees are the shortest distance to the hole and are recommended for beginners, while Black Tees are the longest and most challenging, designed for professionals.
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Golf tee alternatives
Golf tees are an essential accessory for golfers, but there are several alternatives to the standard wooden tee. Here are some options to consider:
- Bamboo Tees: Bamboo tees are a more environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional wooden tees. Bamboo is a fast-growing resource, making it a sustainable choice. Bamboo tees are also more durable than wooden ones, and they biodegrade, so you don't have to collect them when they snap. They are also easier on mower blades than traditional tees.
- Rubber Tees: Rubber tees are incredibly durable and can be used round after round. They are often found at driving ranges. While they are reusable, losing one on the course can contribute waste, similar to plastic tees. Rubber tees come in various lengths, and some have adjustable height features, ensuring consistency with each shot.
- Brush Tees: Brush tees are distance-enhancing tees that are usually taller and designed to produce maximum distance. The golf ball sits on top of plastic fibres, creating minimal resistance.
- Martini Golf Tee: The Martini tee features a wide-brim cup that securely holds the ball, preventing constant re-teeing. Its bright colours make it easy to spot and retrieve from the grass.
- Telos Tee: The Telos tee includes a small rubber disc that fits around the bulged stem of the tee. This disc helps maintain consistent tee height for each shot. While the rubber material is durable, it is not unbreakable.
While these alternatives offer unique benefits, it's important to remember that the impact on the feel, distance, and trajectory of your drive is primarily dependent on your technique and skill level, rather than solely on the type of tee used.
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