Mastering the Golf Tee: Simple Tips for Every Player

If you want to shave a few strokes off your score, start with the tee. It’s the first point of contact and a tiny detail that can make a big difference. Below you’ll find down‑to‑earth advice on picking the right tee, setting it up, and avoiding common slip‑ups.

Pick the Right Tee for Your Club and Skill

Not all tees are created equal. Wooden tees are cheap, biodegradable, and work fine for most shots. Plastic tees last longer and come in a range of lengths, but they can feel stiff in cold weather. Some players swear by rubber or composite tees for extra give on the driver.

Length matters too. A driver usually needs a longer tee—around 2.5 to 3 inches—so the ball sits higher and you catch the sweet spot on the clubface. Irons and wedges work better with shorter tees, about 1 to 1.5 inches, keeping the ball low for a clean strike. If you’re a beginner, start with a medium‑length tee (around 2 inches) and experiment from there.

How to Tee Up Correctly Every Time

Place the tee about one ball diameter ahead of the ball’s center. Push it into the ground until the top is level with the middle of the ball. This spot gives you the best angle for the clubhead to approach the ball.

For a driver, you’ll want the ball’s equator to sit just above the tee’s top. That way the clubface meets the ball on the upswing, launching it skyward with minimal spin. With irons, the ball should sit just a touch below the top of the tee so you can strike it with a descending blow.

Don’t forget to check the ground. Soft turf can let the tee sink too deep, while hard ground may cause the tee to wobble. If the tee feels unstable, tap it in a bit more or switch to a sturdier material.

Consistency is key. Make a habit of the same tee placement routine before every shot. Over time you’ll notice more reliable ball flight and fewer mishits.

Even seasoned golfers fall into a few common traps. One is using a tee that’s too long for the club, which can push the ball too high and cause a low, slicing drive. Another is the “tee‑up too far forward” mistake, where the ball is too far ahead of the club’s arc, leading to thin contacts. A quick tip: after you tee up, step back and visualize the swing path. If the ball looks too far forward, pull it back a fraction.

Finally, remember etiquette. When you’re finished with a hole, collect any broken or used tees. Many courses provide trash bins for this purpose. Keeping the course tidy shows respect for the venue and other players.

In short, the tee is a tiny tool with big impact. Pick the right length, choose a material that feels good in your hands, and set it up consistently. Follow these basics and watch your shots become steadier, longer, and more predictable. Happy golfing!