Golf tees come in different sizes, shapes, colors and are made of everything from wood to plastic to wheat. They may be relatively inexpensive compared to the latest titanium driver but they are an essential part of golf.
It is estimated that there are nearly 30 million golfers teeing off just in the U.S. every year. If you are one of them, then you know that each one has personal views, preferences and, if we're honest, obsessions about every detail from the all-important stance to the lowly golf tees that stage that first swing. The noble sport of golf is won by nuances, inches and attention to detail. One of those details, the golf tee itself, is the inspiration for this site.
Ask most golfers, amateur or pro, and they each have their favorite tee or method of teeing the golf ball. Some golfers are specific with their requirements, others are happy to hit the ball straight off the turf deck.
Whether or not a golfer uses a tee or hits off the grass, prefers plastic tees, wood tees or, believe it or not, a broken tee, there are a lot to choose from. Personalized golf tees are a popular gift for the golfer who has everything and are often give-aways at corporate events.
For wooden golf tees, the largest brand is Pride. The tees are made of tough, longer playing birch wood and are environmentally friendly as far as construction while remaining relatively inexpensive. Other brands are Intech and Charter Pro. Charter Pro Tees come as long as 3 1/4 inches for those who prefer a longer tee, and they have a manufacturer's warranty.
Brush-T 3 Tees are considered a step up in quality. They are designed to facilitate a longer drive from the flexible bristles used in their construction. Expect to pay about double the cost of a regular tee, between $6-$7.
Of course, any tee can be printed with a company logo or personal signature. Order in bulk and promotional golf tees do not have to be an extravagance.
Whether your interest is strictly personal or you are in charge of purchasing bulk golf tees for your company or organization, consider the following:
- Wood tees can leave paint marks on a driver but not as often as plastic ones tend to mark the club.
- A quality tee will also do double duty as a groove cleaner on the long irons and a repair tool on the greens.
- A broken tee can create a dangerous situation when pressed on, especially on cold, hard ground.
- Plastic golf tees are more difficult to get into hard ground, especially when it's cold.
- A plastic tee may be more difficult to set a ball on.
Older methods of teeing off are still favored by some golfers today. One of the more popular is the wet sand tee. When it was still common, golf courses would supply sand and water at each hole but very few do this today. Whether using a tee or sand, the consensus on the perfect height for the golf ball is about 1" above the green, or 1.5" times the driver height.
In the end, for pros or amateurs, the choice still comes down to personal preference.
