What Golf Tees Do Pros Use: A Guide to Their Preferred Choices

Golf, a sport known for its precision and technique, has seen many advancements in equipment over the years. One such accessory, the golf tee, may seem simple and insignificant at first glance. However, for professional players, it plays a crucial role in enhancing their performance during a game. This article aims to shed light on the tees that pros utilize on the course and how these tees impact their shots.

On the PGA Tour, professional golfers typically use straight hardwood golf tees, and there’s a variety of them out there. Interestingly, there are also regulations preventing pros from using certain types of golf tee in official competition. The importance of using the right golf tee cannot be understated, as it can significantly affect the golfer’s swing, distance, and accuracy.

Among the top choices for many professional golfers, one can find wooden options like the Pride Professional Tee System and the Western Birch Golf Tees, as well as bamboo selections such as the Wedge Guys PGA-Approved Professional Bamboo Golf Tees. This article further explores the specific attributes that make these golf tees sought after by pros and how they cater to the specific needs and preferences of players.

Golf Tees Used by Professionals

PGA Tour Preferences

Professional golfers, including those on the PGA Tour, typically use straight hardwood golf tees. This preference is due to their durability and the familiar feel they provide. One popular brand used by pros is the Pride Professional Tee System. These hardwood tees are favored by many, but some professionals are making a switch to alternative materials.

Bamboo tees, known for their increased durability, are gaining traction among professional golfers. Brands like Wedge Guys PGA-Approved Professional Bamboo Golf Tees and Green Swing Bamboo Golf Tees are examples of this shift.

However, plastic tees still remain less common among pros, despite their availability. An example of a noteworthy plastic tee is the Zero Friction Tour 3-Prong Golf Tees, which offers a three-pronged design to hold the ball securely.

Golf Pros’ Choices

While standard hardwood tees continue to be popular, some professional golfers opt for specialty tees that cater to specific preferences or playing styles. A few notable examples include:

• Martini Step-Up Golf Tees: These tees have been used on both the LPGA and Champions tours. They are preferred by some golfers due to their unique shape, which can assist them in achieving more consistent ball placement and height.
• Four More Yards Golf Tees: These long tees are designed for golfers who prefer to play with a higher ball setup, potentially aiding in improved launch angles and distances.

In terms of tee size, professional golfers often choose a standard 2.75-inch length for their driver. Some might carry shorter tees for fairway wood and iron shots, but others still utilize the 2.75-inch tee for all shots.

Overall, while the primary choice for professional golfers continues to lean towards hardwood tees, numerous alternatives and options are available for those seeking variety or specific performance attributes.

Types of Golf Tees

Wooden Tees

Wooden tees are the classic and most common types of golf tees used by professional golfers. Typically made from natural hardwood, they provide a traditional feel and offer a cost-effective option, especially when bought in bulk. The Pride Professional Tee System is an example of popular wooden tees used by golfers, boasting a yellow section that assists with consistent tee heights.

Bamboo Tees

Bamboo tees are an eco-friendly alternative to wooden tees, as bamboo is a sustainable and strong material. Bamboo golf tees like Green Swing Bamboo Golf Tees and Wedge Guys PGA-approved Professional Bamboo Golf Tees provide durability and resist snapping better than wooden tees. By opting for bamboo tees, golfers can incorporate an environmentally friendly approach into their game.

Plastic Tees

Plastic tees come in various designs, sizes, and colors, offering golfers an extensive selection. One popular example is the Callaway Performance Tee, which features a 5 prong design for enhanced stability. Although plastic tees can be more expensive than their wooden counterparts, their durability is a factor that can save golfers money in the long run.

Brush Tees

Brush tees are another option for golfers, featuring bristles at the top to hold the ball. Although not as commonly used by professionals, they can provide some benefits such as reducing friction and increasing distance on drives. They are often made from plastic or other synthetic materials and can be a more expensive option compared to wooden or bamboo tees.

In conclusion, professional golfers use a variety of golf tees, such as wooden, bamboo, and plastic tees, each offering its unique advantages and drawbacks. Golf enthusiasts should choose tees based on factors such as personal preference, durability, and eco-friendliness.

Tee Performance Factors

Distance and Accuracy

When selecting a golf tee, it is crucial to consider how it will influence distance and accuracy. A well-constructed tee can ensure a solid connection between the club and the golf ball. This connection can result in improved shot distance and better overall performance. The tee height plays a significant role in these factors as well. For example, optimal driver distance tends to result from using a tee that positions the middle of the golf ball at the top edge of the clubface.

Material and Flexibility

Golf tees can be made of various materials, including hardwood, bamboo, and plastic. Most professional golfers use hardwood tees, with Pride Professional Tee System tees being a popular brand among pros. However, some pros are transitioning to bamboo tees due to their increased durability. Plastic tees are used by a small number of golfers as well.

• Hardwood: Dense, traditionally popular.
• Bamboo: Durable and increasing in popularity.
• Plastic: Less common, with potential stability issues.

Tee Length

Tee lengths can also vary, and the chosen length has an impact on the golfer’s swing, the club used, and the quality of the resulting shot. For instance, shorter tees are better suited for irons and fairway woods, while longer tees are ideal for drivers and hybrids. Here’s a simple guideline:

• Short tees (2.75 inches or less): Ideal for irons and fairway woods.
• Medium tees (2.75-3.25 inches): Good for both drivers and hybrids.
• Long tees (3.25 inches or longer): Suitable for drivers, especially those with large clubheads.

Impact on Golf Swing

The selected tee can greatly influence a golfer’s swing mechanics. A too-short tee may force the golfer to hit down on the ball excessively, causing a loss in distance and accuracy. Conversely, a too-long tee can lead to a golfer hitting up on the ball, resulting in unwanted spin and unpredictability in the shot’s trajectory. By carefully choosing the right tee height and length, golfers can enhance their swing, improve consistency, and achieve better results on the course.

Popular Golf Tee Brands

Pride Professional Tee System

Pride Professional Tee System tees are one of the most popular golf tee brands among professionals. These tees are made from 100% solid hardwood and are engineered for maximum performance and durability, while being fully bio-degradable¹. They are the most used tee brand on the PGA Tour², making them a top choice for pro golfers.

Zero Friction Tour 3-Prong Golf Tees

Zero Friction Tour 3-Prong Golf Tees offer a unique design that reduces the contact area between the tee and the ball, leading to lower resistance during impact. These tees are known for their performance-enhancing features and are available in a variety of colors, making them a visually distinctive option for golfers looking for an alternative to traditional tees.

4 Yards More Golf Tees

4 Yards More Golf Tees are designed with performance in mind. These tees feature a special elongated design that allows for longer shots and increased distance, making them ideal for golfers who want to enhance their game. They are an excellent choice for those seeking a high-performance tee, but may not be as widely used among professional golfers.

Martini Tees

Martini Tees are known for their distinct, large cup design that provides a stable platform for the golf ball. They are favored by seniors, as their 3¼ inch size makes them easier to use and reduces the chances of the ball falling off the tee³. While not as prevalently used among professional golfers, they are still a popular option for those who prefer a larger tee.

Choosing the Right Golf Tee

Consistency and Performance

When it comes to selecting the best golf tees for consistency and performance, professional golfers tend to prefer hardwood tees, with one of the most popular brands being the Pride Professional Tee System. However, some pros are switching to bamboo tees for their improved durability. Plastic tees are also used occasionally, but they are less common among golf professionals.

The key to consistency and performance is to find the ideal golf tee for your personal preferences and playing style. If you are unsure about which type of tee is right for you, consider trying a few different options and seeing how they impact your game.

Tee Size and Golf Course Design

The length of the golf tee you choose can also have an impact on your game. Tee size is especially important on holes with varying tee box designs that require different shots. For example, on par 3 holes, you may need a shorter tee to ensure a clean shot.

In addition, the size of the golf tee and the ideal tee height can be determined by the club you are using. For example, using a driver may require a taller tee, whereas an iron or hybrid shot may require a shorter tee.

Here is a general size guideline for selecting the appropriate golf tee based on the club being used:

• Driver: 2.75″ to 4″ tees
• Fairway Woods and Hybrids: 2.25″ to 2.75″ tees
• Irons, Wedges, and Par 3s: 1.5″ to 2.25″ tees

USGA Rules of Golf

Following the USGA Rules of Golf is crucial for ensuring a fair and enjoyable game. When it comes to golf tees, the rules state that any tee you use must not exceed 4 inches in length. Additionally, a player is permitted to place the ball on the grass or on an artificial device, such as a golf tee, within a club-length of the front or sides of the tee, but not beyond the tee markers.

By complying with these rules and considering the factors mentioned above, you can select the perfect golf tee for your game, and ultimately have a more consistent and enjoyable experience on the course.

Specialty and Fun Golf Tees

Castle Tees

Castle tees, also known as graduated tees, are a type of specialty golf tee designed with a distinct stepped appearance. These tees have a series of tiers that resemble the levels of a castle, which is where their name comes from. Castle tees are designed to help golfers achieve a consistent tee height when placing the golf ball.

One advantage of using castle tees is that they can help golfers maintain a consistent strike point for improved driving accuracy. The stepped design allows for easy placement of the golf ball at the desired height, eliminating the need for guesswork and ensuring a consistent setup for each swing.

Step Tees

Step tees are another specialty golf tee option that can offer improved consistency and performance for golfers. Unlike castle tees, step tees feature a single step or ledge built into the tee’s design. This step is meant to guide golfers to set the ball at the optimal tee height for their driver or club preferences.

Some benefits of using step tees include:

• A consistent ball height, leading to more reliable driving results
• A reduced chance of teeing too high or too low
• Potential improvements in driving distance and accuracy

While both castle tees and step tees aim to improve consistency in a golfer’s tee setup, the choice between the two types often comes down to personal preference and individual playing style. Regardless of the type, these specialty tees can offer golfers an added layer of control and performance-enhancing potential in their game.

Considerations for Different Golfers

Seniors

When it comes to seniors, the key factor to consider is the driving distance. As golfers age, their driving distance generally decreases, which means using appropriate tee lengths is essential. Standard tees may not provide optimal trajectory for seniors, so selecting tees that allow for a more suitable height can help improve their shots.

• Focus on driving distance
• Use appropriate tee lengths

Short Irons vs. Long Irons

Different types of irons require different tee considerations for optimal performance. Short irons, such as wedges and 9-irons, generally do not need much tee height since they have a steeper angle of attack. On the other hand, long irons, like fairway woods or hybrids, tend to require a higher tee height to create a good launch angle and reduce side spin for straighter drives.

• Short irons: lower tee height
• Long irons: higher tee height
• Focus on reducing side spin for straighter drives

Short Irons

Long Irons

When selecting golf tees for different golfers, consider their skill level and the club being used. Understanding the relationship between tee height, driving distance, and club selection can help golfers find the right tees to optimize their performance on the course.