Which Golf Tees Do The Pros Use?


Which Golf Tees Do The Pros Use?

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At the risk of teeing off traditionalists, golf tees are a lot like toilet paper. You don’t think much about them until you reach for one and come up empty.

Let’s be real, they’re not the sexiest thing in the golf bag. I mean, who dreams of a world-class golf tee like they do about a fancy driver or a set of irons that could double as modern art?

But the humble golf tee, like our underrated friend toilet paper, plays a crucial role in our game. You’d be in a bit of a pickle without it, wouldn’t you?

Maybe you’re a high roller and use your golf tees just once before discarding them like a used tissue (see, more toilet paper parallels). Maybe you’re the thrifty type who sees a broken tee as a challenge, not an obstacle.

Or perhaps you’re an environmental warrior who uses biodegradable tees and lectures your mates about the environmental impact of plastic tees (don’t worry, we’ll get into that later).

But regardless of your golf tee preferences, we can all agree that they’re a pretty important part of the game.

Overview of Different Types of Tees Used by Professionals

No matter how much we try to live in denial, we ain’t professionals. We may have the latest clubs, GPS watches, and even an entourage (my kids, cheering me on or maybe just waiting for ice cream, but who’s checking). ‘

But we’re not pros.

That said, we can definitely learn a thing or two from the big shots. And, oh boy, the types of tees they use!

The choice of tees among the pros is much like my kids’ breakfast cereal preferences – there’s a surprising amount of variety and heated debate. You’ve got your traditional wooden tees, plastic tees for the modernists, and even bamboo tees for the eco-conscious golfer.

The great thing about golf tees is that unlike a $500 driver, they’re a part of the professional game that we everyday hackers can actually afford to emulate.

So, let’s get down to it, and we’ll try not to put the cart before the horse (or the tee before the ball, if you will).

Types of Golf Tees Used by Professionals

This is where the rubber meets the road, or the tee meets the ground, if you prefer. We’re going to delve into the tees that the big guys use and try to crack the code of what makes them tick.

And hey, maybe you’ll find a nugget of wisdom here to impress your friends at the next 19th hole chat.

Wooden Tees

Ah, the classic wooden tee – the comfort food of golf. Remember your first tee? Yeah, it was probably a wooden one.

It’s the grilled cheese sandwich, the chicken soup, the mac ‘n cheese of the golf world.

Popularity among Professionals

It’s no secret that many pros still prefer good old-fashioned wooden tees. And why not?

They’re like that old pair of jeans you’ve had since college – they may not be flashy, but they fit just right and never let you down. Wooden tees have been the go-to for golfers since, well, forever.

  • Tiger Woods? Uses wooden tees.
  • Rory McIlroy? You bet he’s a wood guy.

So if you’re feeling a bit fancy and want to get on the wood tee bandwagon, you’ll be in good company.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Now let’s talk about why the pros love wooden tees so much. We’ll break it down Barney style (that’s military jargon for making it super simple).

Advantages of Wooden Tees:

  • Reliability: They’re tried and true, like my Grandma’s apple pie recipe.
  • Versatility: They come in a variety of sizes, so whether you’re swinging a driver or an iron, there’s a wooden tee for you.
  • Simplicity: No bells and whistles here. Just a simple design that gets the job done.

Disadvantages of Wooden Tees:

  • Fragility: They can break easily, especially if you have a swing like Thor wielding his hammer.
  • Environmental impact: Yes, they’re biodegradable, but they still require trees to make, which can be a concern for the eco-conscious among us.

Here’s a handy table summarizing the above:

Wood Tee AdvantagesWood Tee Disadvantages
ReliabilityFragility
VersatilityEnvironmental Impact
Simplicity

Well, now that you’re all teed up on wooden tees, it’s time to swing into the world of plastic tees.

Plastic Tees

Now let’s mosey on over to the plastic tees. They’re the new kids on the block, kind of like my daughter’s favorite boy band, but with less hair gel and autotune.

Usage among Professionals

If wooden tees are the trusted old faithful, plastic tees are the shiny new toy. A good number of pro golfers have been seen using them, and for some good reasons too:

  • Dustin Johnson? Spotted with a plastic tee.
  • Phil Mickelson? Ditto.

There’s no plastic shortage on the PGA Tour, folks.

Advantages and Disadvantages

If you’re wondering what’s the big deal with plastic tees, let’s shed some light on their pros and cons:

Advantages of Plastic Tees:

  • Durability: Unlike their wooden cousins, plastic tees don’t snap as easily. They’re like the Hulk, but without the anger issues.
  • Consistency: They provide consistent height for your ball, which can lead to more consistent drives.

Disadvantages of Plastic Tees:

  • Environmental Impact: Like that plastic bag stuck in your kitchen drawer, these tees take a long time to degrade.
  • Cost: Plastic tees are typically more expensive than wooden ones. They’re like the fancy latte to the wooden tee’s regular cup of joe.

Here’s a table to summarize:

Plastic Tee AdvantagesPlastic Tee Disadvantages
DurabilityEnvironmental Impact
ConsistencyCost

Switching gears a bit, let’s head into the green territory – the world of bamboo tees.

Bamboo Tees

Okay, so bamboo tees. They’re like that obscure indie band your hipster friend can’t shut up about. But are they really worth the hype?

Emerging Trend among Professionals

Bamboo tees are the new kid on the block, and they’re starting to make waves on the tour. They’re the Prius of golf tees – a little unconventional, but undeniably eco-friendly.

  • Bubba Watson? Been seen sporting bamboo tees.
  • Justin Rose? He’s on the bamboo bandwagon too.

Advantages and Disadvantages

To help you decide if you’re ready to go green, here are some benefits and drawbacks:

Advantages of Bamboo Tees:

  • Eco-Friendly: These tees are as green as they get. They’re made from bamboo, which is a fast-growing and sustainable resource.
  • Strength: Bamboo tees are stronger than wooden ones, reducing the risk of breakage.

Disadvantages of Bamboo Tees:

  • Availability: You might have a bit of trouble finding bamboo tees at your local golf shop.
  • Cost: Generally, they’re a bit more pricey than their wooden counterparts.
AdvantagesDisadvantages
Eco-FriendlyAvailability
StrengthCost

And there we have it, folks! The three tee musketeers – wooden, plastic, and bamboo. Now that you’ve got the lowdown on the types of tees the pros use, you’re one step closer to choosing your own weapon of choice for the tee box.

Just remember, it’s not the size of the tee in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the tee! Or, something like that.

Next, we’ll delve into the factors influencing the choice of golf tees and, let me tell you, it’s more complicated than choosing the donuts for the Saturday morning junior soccer match.

Factors Influencing the Choice of Golf Tees

Okay, we’ve got our tees in a row, now let’s talk about what might sway you towards one or the other.

It’s like choosing a pet – do you want the loyal but slightly high-maintenance pedigree dog (wooden tee), the easy-going cat (plastic tee), or the exotic but cool parrot (bamboo tee)?

Personal Preferences

We all have our quirks. I, for one, like to eat my sandwiches in a circle. My middle child insists on wearing mismatched socks.

So, naturally, personal preferences play a big part in our tee choice. Here are some factors that might tilt the scale:

  • Comfort: You might find one type of tee easier to handle and set up than others.
  • Experience: Maybe you’ve always used wooden tees and are reluctant to change.
  • Appeal: Perhaps you just like the look of a particular tee.

Performance Considerations

Now we’re getting to the meat and potatoes. Do tees actually affect your performance?

Well, it’s not as clear-cut as you might think.

  • Consistency: Plastic and bamboo tees can provide consistent ball height, which could help your driving.
  • Durability: Plastic and bamboo tees are less likely to break, saving you the hassle of changing tees regularly.

Environmental Concerns

Last but not least, we’re going green. If you’re concerned about your carbon footprint, the choice of tee can be a small but significant step towards a greener golf game.

  • Wooden Tees: While they are biodegradable, they require trees to produce.
  • Plastic Tees: They take a long time to degrade and can be harmful to wildlife.
  • Bamboo Tees: These tees are made from a sustainable resource and are biodegradable.
ConsiderationsWooden TeePlastic TeeBamboo Tee
Comfort
Experience
Appeal
Consistency✔️✔️
Durability✔️✔️
Eco-Friendly✔️✔️

There you have it, folks! We’ve tackled personal preferences, performance, and even had a little heart-to-heart about the environment. But we’re just getting warmed up.

Up next, we’ll dive into some of the top golf tee brands that the pros use.

If you’re gonna strut the fairways like a peacock, you might as well use the same gear as the big shots, right? So, stick around, grab a beverage, and we’ll continue our journey down the rabbit hole of golf tees.

Popular Brands of Golf Tees Among Professionals

Let’s talk brands. It’s like choosing a favorite child, but without the guilt.

Pride Professional Tee System

We’re kicking things off with the cream of the crop, the bee’s knees, the…you get the picture.

The Pride Professional Tee System is a big player in the game. They’re a bit like the varsity jock of golf tees – popular, dependable, and seen hanging around with the cool kids (AKA professional golfers).

Here are some features that make these tees stand out:

  • They come in a variety of colors, making them easy to spot. No more squinting at the ground like you’ve lost a contact lens.
  • They have colored bands to help you get a consistent tee height, which is great for those who like to keep things level.

But, of course, they’re not perfect. Their wooden nature means they can snap like a stale breadstick if you’re not careful.

Green Swing Bamboo Tees

Next up, we’re going eco-friendly with the Green Swing Bamboo Tees. These are like that friend who’s just returned from a gap year backpacking and won’t shut up about being one with nature.

What’s good about Green Swing Bamboo Tees?

  • They’re made from sustainable bamboo, so you can sleep easy knowing you’re doing your bit for the environment.
  • They’re stronger than regular wooden tees, meaning fewer tee casualties on the golf course.

But remember, just like that fresh organic kale smoothie, going green can be a bit pricey.

Martini Golf Durable Plastic Tees

Last but not least, we have the Martini Golf Durable Plastic Tees. These are the party animals of the tee world – loud, colorful, and fun.

Here’s what makes these tees a hit:

  • Their unique martini glass design makes them stand out from the crowd. It’s like bringing a little bit of the 19th hole to your drive.
  • They’re incredibly durable, so you won’t have to worry about constantly replacing broken tees.

However, just like the morning after a good party, these tees do have their downsides. They’re not as eco-friendly and can be a bit more expensive.

Let’s put it all in a neat little table:

Tee BrandProsCons
Pride Professional Tee SystemVariety of colors, ConsistencyBreakability
Green Swing Bamboo TeesEco-friendly, DurableCost, Availability
Martini Golf Durable Plastic TeesUnique design, DurabilityEnvironmental impact, Cost

And there you have it – three popular brands that have gotten the nod of approval from the pros.

But enough about the pros. What about the beginners? After all, we all start somewhere.

My 12-year-old, daughter for instance, has just started taking golf lessons. The first time she held a club, she swung it around like a lightsaber, and I had to duck for cover.

Now, she’s hitting the ball a solid 50 yards, and her favorite part? Teeing up the ball. So, let’s move on to tees for beginners.

Golf Tees for Beginners

Recommendations for Beginners

For those of you just starting out in golf, choosing a tee can seem as complicated as learning the cha-cha. But fear not, I’m here to help. Here are a few pointers:

  • Tee Size: Start with a standard 2 3/4″ tee. It’s like the Goldilocks of tees – not too tall, not too short, just right.
  • Tee Type: Wooden tees are a great starting point. They’re easy to use and relatively cheap.

Cost Considerations

Now, we all know golf can be an expensive hobby. You might even need to sell a kidney to afford some of the gear. But thankfully, tees are not one of those expenses. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Wooden Tees: These are the most affordable option, especially if you buy in bulk. It’s like stocking up on toilet paper – buy enough to last you a while.
  • Plastic and Bamboo Tees: These are more expensive, but remember, they also last longer.
ConsiderationWooden TeesPlastic TeesBamboo Tees
Price$$$$$
Durability✔️✔️

And there you have it, my beginner golfers. It’s a bit like learning to ride a bike – start with training wheels, and before you know it, you’ll be cruising without a care in the world.

Next up, we’ll be diving into the mysterious world of how golf tees can affect your performance. Can a little piece of wood (or plastic or bamboo) really make a difference? Or is it all just smoke and mirrors?

As we delve deeper into this labyrinth, I’m reminded of my 12-year-old’s recent venture into the world of magic tricks. She tried to convince me that she had made her golf ball disappear, only for me to find it tucked neatly behind her ear.

Much like her trick, are the performance effects of golf tees just an illusion? Let’s find out.

Impact of Golf Tees on Performance

Importance of Tee Length

Let’s start with the basics. The length of your tee can have a big impact on your swing.

Picture this – you’re on the tee box, and you’ve teed up your ball so high it’s practically in the clouds. You swing, and…WHIFF. You’ve swung right underneath it. Not a great start, huh?

  • Short Tees (1.5″-2.75″) – Ideal for irons and low-profile woods.
  • Medium Tees (2.75″-3.25″) – Perfect for drivers with a shallow face.
  • Long Tees (3.25″-4″) – Best suited for drivers with a deep face.

Effect of Tee Design on Ball Trajectory

Next up, we’re talking tee design. Can the design of a tee really influence your shot? Well, as my youngest daughter says when I ask her if she wants ice cream, “You betcha!”

  • Traditional Tees: They’re tried and tested but can sometimes create too much friction, affecting your shot’s launch angle.
  • Brush Tees: These reduce friction, potentially increasing your distance and accuracy.
  • Cupped Tees: The design can help increase ball speed and reduce spin.

Phew! Who knew golf tees could be so involved? Now, you’re armed with more knowledge than ever before about golf tees, and you’re well on your way to becoming a golf tee connoisseur.

Up next, we’re tackling how golf tees can impact distance. It’s like when I try to throw a paper airplane to my kids from the balcony – the design (and a favorable wind) can really make a difference.

The Impact of Golf Tees on Distance Friction and Its Impact

Picture this: you’re sliding down a slide. You’re having a great time, but then your shorts get stuck, and you jerk to a stop. Not so fun, huh?

Well, it’s the same with golf tees. If there’s too much friction between the ball and the tee, it can affect your distance.

  • Traditional Tees: As we’ve mentioned, the traditional tee design can cause friction, potentially reducing your distance.
  • Brush Tees: Brush tees reduce friction, which can help increase your distance.

Impact of Tee Height on Distance

Let’s circle back to tee height. We’ve already discussed how it can affect your swing, but what about your distance?

  • Low Tee Height: If the ball is teed too low, you may hit the ball at a downward angle, reducing your distance.
  • High Tee Height: If the ball is teed too high, you might hit the ball on the upswing, which can increase your distance.

As we keep exploring the world of golf tees, I’m reminded of the day my middle child learned to tie her shoes. It seemed like such a simple thing, but there were so many factors to consider – the length of the laces, the type of knot, the tightness of the loop.

The same goes for golf tees. They might seem simple at first glance, but as we’ve seen, there’s a lot more to them than meets the eye.

Now, let’s continue our journey and explore the world of custom golf tees. It’s like when my kids found out they could design their own shoes online – the possibilities are endless!

Custom Golf Tees

Benefits of Custom Golf Tees

In this day and age, who doesn’t love a little personalization? It’s like getting your name on a coke bottle, but for golf.

  • Branding: Custom tees can be a great marketing tool. Get your company logo on there, and you’ve got yourself a walking advertisement.
  • Personal Touch: Want to make your golf buddies jealous? Get your own custom golf tees. It’s a surefire way to stand out on the golf course.
  • Gifts: Know a golf enthusiast? Custom golf tees can make a great gift.

Where to Get Custom Golf Tees

There are plenty of places where you can order custom golf tees. Here are a few options:

  • Online Retailers: Websites like Golfballs.com, Personalization Mall, and Zazzle offer custom golf tees.
  • Local Golf Shops: Check with your local golf shop to see if they offer custom tees.

So, as we’ve seen, golf tees might be small, but they pack a punch. Whether you’re a pro golfer, a beginner, or somewhere in between, the type of tee you use can have a big impact on your game.

Now, let’s continue our journey into the wide world of golf tees. Up next, we’ll explore some of the most innovative golf tees on the market. It’s like when my kids discovered virtual reality – prepare to have your minds blown!

Innovative Golf Tees

Innovation and golf go hand in hand. Just like how my kids can’t imagine a world without smartphones, soon we won’t be able to imagine a world without these innovative golf tees.

Four Yards More

The name says it all. The Four Yards More golf tee is designed to give you…well, four yards more. This innovative tee has a flexible six-prong top, which helps reduce the resistance and friction between the ball and the tee.

Zero Friction

Another innovation in the world of golf tees, the Zero Friction tee, is designed to do just that – reduce friction.

It has a unique 3-prong top that allows for less contact with the ball, potentially increasing your distance and accuracy.

Tee BrandInnovation
Four Yards MoreFlexible 6-prong design
Zero FrictionUnique 3-prong design

But innovation doesn’t stop there. Next up, we’ll explore some of the future trends in golf tees.

From biodegradable tees to smart tees, the future is looking brighter than my 4-year-old’s neon green play-dough creation.

Future Trends in Golf Tees

Biodegradable Tees

As we become more environmentally conscious, the demand for eco-friendly golf options is increasing. This includes biodegradable golf tees.

These tees are designed to break down over time, reducing their impact on the environment.

Smart Tees

Just like smartphones and smart homes, smart golf tees could be the way of the future. Imagine a tee that could track your swing speed, ball trajectory, and even give you tips on how to improve your game.

Sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, right?

Adjustable Height Tees

An innovation that’s knocking on the door of the golf tee world is adjustable height tees. Imagine a tee that adjusts to the perfect height for you every time.

No more guessing or awkward fumbling around with different tee heights. Just set it, forget it, and swing away. The future of golf is starting to look as smooth as my 8-year-old’s ‘dad’ jokes.

Recycled Material Tees

The golf world is also getting greener, and I’m not just talking about the putting greens.

Golf tees made from recycled materials are also becoming more popular. It’s like turning that pile of old newspapers into a papier-mache masterpiece, except with less glue and mess.

Pressure Sensor Tees

And if you thought golf couldn’t get any more high-tech, hold onto your putter because here come pressure sensor tees. These bad boys are designed to measure the pressure you’re putting on the tee when you swing.

It’s a great way to track your progress and tweak your swing.

As we round off this journey into the future trends of golf tees, it’s clear that the humble golf tee has come a long way. What began as a simple peg to prop up a ball has now become an innovative tool to enhance performance and minimize environmental impact.

Future Tee TrendsDescription
Adjustable Height TeesTees that adjust to your perfect height
Recycled Material TeesTees made from recycled materials
Pressure Sensor TeesTees that measure the pressure of your swing

But as we golf enthusiasts know, the world of golf isn’t just about the latest trends and fancy gadgets. It’s also about tradition, skill, and, of course, style.

So let’s take a moment to appreciate some of the most iconic golf tees that have graced the greens over the years.

Iconic Golf Tees

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my 12-year-old’s obsession with ‘vintage’ fashion, it’s that style never goes out of fashion. And when it comes to golf, it’s no different.

There are some golf tees that have stood the test of time and become iconic in their own right. Here are a few examples:

  • Reddy Tee: Patented in 1921 by Dr. William Lowell, the Reddy Tee was the first commercially successful golf tee. Its long stem and concave top design set the standard for modern golf tees.
  • Castle Tee: The Castle Tee, also known as the Step Tee, is well-known for its distinctive tiers that allow golfers to consistently set their ball at the right height. It’s a favorite among many golfers, including some pros.
  • Zero Friction: This tee made waves with its three-pronged design aimed at reducing friction. It’s become popular with both amateur and professional golfers, earning a place among the iconic golf tees.

Now, I could go on and on about the different types of golf tees, their advantages, and disadvantages, the pros that use them, and more. But the truth is, the best golf tee for you is the one that works for your game.

It’s like finding the perfect putter or the ideal golf shoe – it’s all about personal preference, feel, and, of course, performance.

So, whether you’re teeing off with a traditional wooden tee, going for distance with a brush tee, or trying out a biodegradable tee, remember that the most important thing is to enjoy the game.

After all, as my youngest often reminds me, it’s just a game. So, go out there, have fun, and keep swinging!

Matt R.

Hello, My name is Matt and I'm the founder of Just Golfin'. This site is all about one thing... GOLFING!

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