When it comes to perfecting your swing and conquering the golf course, every detail matters. One often overlooked detail is the humble golf tee. The right tee can make a substantial difference in your game, and today, we're diving into the world of golf tees – exploring the different types, their pros and cons, and helping you discover the ideal tee for your game.
Wooden Tees: Classic Elegance
Invented by dentist Dr. George F. Grant in 1899, this creation has essentially remained untouched since its beginnings, with the only major difference being the length, which has gotten longer to compensate for the newer and larger golf clubs.
Pros: Wooden tees are the tried-and-true choice for many golfers. They're biodegradable, making them an eco-friendly option, and they're often inexpensive. The traditional design and classic look add a touch of elegance to your game. They are easily customizable, as seen above, with the KEA Golf tee for their men's golf apparel brand and are actually included with each purchase.
Cons: Wooden tees can break more easily, especially with powerful drives. Consistency in tee height can be challenging to achieve, potentially affecting your shots. Also, they might not be the best choice for modern oversized clubheads.
Price Range: Wooden tees are budget-friendly, usually your local club pro shop will have a small bag available for a few bucks.
Plastic Tees: Durability and Versatility
As advancements in plastics manufacturing made it possible to create durable and consistent tees, various companies and inventors (no specific person or company credited with its invention) experimented with different materials and designs to improve it's performance and durability.
Pros: Plastic tees are highly durable and can withstand multiple drives without breaking. They often come with markings to help you maintain a consistent tee height, leading to improved shot consistency. Plastic tees are suitable for use with larger clubheads commonly found in modern golf clubs. For those golfers looking for something to take a beating, this tee is for you!
Cons: Unlike wooden tees, plastic tees are not as environmentally friendly due to their non-biodegradable nature. Also, depending on the type of plastic, the tee can become slightly bent resulting in less predictable contact.
Price Range: Plastic tees are moderately priced, with packs ranging from a few dollars to around $10 or more.
Brush Tees: Innovation Meets Performance
The invention of the brush golf tee is credited to a Mr. Denny Tarrant. He patented the idea for a brush-style golf tee in 1992. Tarrant's design aimed to reduce the friction between the golf ball and the tee, thereby minimizing resistance and promoting longer and cleaner drives.
Pros: Brush tees feature bristle tops that support the ball, reducing friction and potentially increasing driving distance. They are designed to minimize contact between the tee and the ball, resulting in cleaner and more efficient shots. They're also quite durable, providing good value for money over time.
Cons: Brush tees are relatively pricier compared to wooden and plastic tees. Some golfers might find it takes time to adjust to the different feel of a brush tee.
Price Range: Brush tees are often the premium option, with prices ranging from $10 to $20 or more for a pack.
Performance Tees: Tailored to Precision
The term "Performance" tees could be a little misleading to some. It is essentially a broad term used to describe any tee with adjustments to add specific results. The best way to think of this type of tees is the difference between a long drive golf tee and perhaps the little tee you use on the tee box of par 3's (unless you do not use one at all or use one of the broken ones you find while waiting your turn, but you understand my point). Each is designed with a particular result in mind, one to provide a higher launch trajectory for maximum distance and the other well, to be used on par 3's.
Pros: Performance tees are designed with specific heights to optimize launch angles and ball flights for different clubs. They often come in sets with varying lengths to suit different clubs in your bag. These tees can enhance your accuracy and distance control, and generally have lines to add some consistency.
Cons: Performance tees can be more expensive, and some golfers might not notice a significant improvement in their game, especially if their swing technique is not consistent.
Price Range: Performance tees are typically priced higher, ranging from $5 to $15 or more for a set.
The Best Tee for You
The quest for the "best" tee depends on your individual preferences and playing style as well for its intended use. If you value tradition and want an economical option, wooden tees might be your go-to choice. For durability and versatility, plastic tees could be the right fit. Golfers seeking innovation and performance enhancement might gravitate toward brush tees. If you're serious about fine-tuning your game and optimizing your shots, performance tees could be a worthy investment. Personally, I have tried each of these throughout the years of playing golf and while there was little noticeable change to the performance in my opinion, I grew up using wood tees, like most of you, and continue to use them today.
Conclusion
Choosing the right golf tee is not just about holding your ball in place; it's about elevating your entire game. Whether you opt for the classic charm of wooden tees, the durability of plastic, the innovation of brush tees, or the precision of performance tees, your choice can impact your swing, distance, and overall experience on the course. As you consider the pros and cons of each tee type, remember that the best tee for you is the one that aligns with your playing style, preferences, and budget. So, tee up, swing confidently, and let her rip.