If you’ve been playing golf for a while, chances are you’ve thought very little about the tee you’re using. Most players grab whatever’s in their bag—or off the ground—and don’t give it a second thought.
But here’s the thing: the tee can actually affect your shot more than you’d expect.
Let’s talk about it.
So, what exactly is a golf tee supposed to do?
A golf tee lifts the ball off the ground, plain and simple. It gives your driver a clean shot at contact. But not all tees are the same, and using the wrong one can mess with your distance or even cause you to mis-hit the ball altogether.
Wood, plastic, rubber… does it really matter?
Yep. It does. Wood tees are kind of the old-school favorite—cheap, simple, and they break easily (which some people actually like because it means less resistance).
Plastic tees? They last longer, and if you hate constantly picking up broken tees, they might be more your thing.
Then there’s rubber ones—usually seen at the range. Great for practice, not something you’ll use on the course.
There are even “zero friction” tees out there with weird designs that are supposed to reduce resistance when you hit. Some players swear by them. Others think they’re gimmicks. Depends on your vibe.
Length actually matters—especially with drivers
If your ball is teed up too low, you might not even get the ball off the ground. Too high? You could pop it straight up. Most players using a driver go with 3.25" tees—that sweet spot where half the ball sits above the clubface.
Playing an iron or hybrid off the tee? Go shorter. You don’t need the ball sitting so high. Think of it like adjusting your stance—it changes depending on what club you’ve got in your hand.
So… which tees should you actually use?
Honestly? It depends on how you play and what you like. Some people love the classic wood look. Others care more about how long the tee lasts.
If you’re new to the game, go with wood and experiment a little.
If you’re more into performance and consistency, try those low-resistance tees or different heights to see what gives you better contact.
And don’t overthink it—but don’t ignore it either.
Final thought
It’s easy to overlook the little stuff in golf. But sometimes, the smallest tweaks—like switching up your tees—can make a real difference in how you feel on the course.
It’s not about magic. It’s about making sure everything you use is working with you, not against you.
So next time you’re loading up for a round, maybe give that tee a second look.
You might be surprised.