Golf tees are an essential golf accessory for any serious golf player. They can make a huge difference in how you play the game and your success on the course. Golf tees come in various shapes, sizes, materials and colors, making it possible to find one that suits your golfing needs perfectly. From wooden to plastic golf tees, each has unique advantages and disadvantages that should be considered when selecting the right tee for your playing style.
In this article, we’ll look at who invented golf tees, the different golf tees available and provide tips on choosing the perfect tee for your game.
Who Invented Golf Tees?
In 1889, Two Scottish inventors, William Bloxsom and Arthur Douglas patented what is now known as the world’s first golf tee. It was a rubber plate with a part sticking up for the ball. But it didn’t work in windy weather. So they had to make something else to keep it in place.
In 1892, Percy Ellis from England invented the first tee. It was called The Perfectum. It had an iron spike and rubber pegs to keep the ball in one spot on the ground. Four years later, another inventor from Scotland named PM Matthews made something called Vector, which also held the ball. Still, it was even more stable because it had a metal spike and a rubber cup.
Dr. George Grant was a dentist from Boston and one of the first black people to graduate from Harvard Dental School. He invented the first wooden golf tee. It is a peg attached to a rubber tube with a cup on top which holds the golf ball.
It was different from all the other tees around at the time. Grant made a new kind of tee that was flexible at the top and had extra stability at the bottom. It was very good for golfing. Grant should have told people about his invention or tried to profit from it. In 1991, he got recognized by the USGA as the inventor of this wooden golf tee, like other famous inventors throughout history.
Why Is It Called A Golf Tee?
The golf tee was initially made of feathers, and golfers referred to it as a “tee” because it resembled the letter “T.” The golf tee has been regularly improved, but golfers still use the same terminology when referring to golf tees today.
Types Of Golf Tees And Their Benefits
There are several golf tee options for golfers, each with advantages and disadvantages. The most popular golf tees include:
Wooden Tees
Wooden golf tees are one of the most popular golf tee types, as they provide a variety of advantages. They are durable and provide a stable base for golf balls, making them great for golfers who want to hit the ball with more power and accuracy. However, wooden golf tees are more expensive than other golf tee types and may provide different flexibility than other golf tee types.
Plastic Tees
Plastic golf tees are inexpensive for golfers who want a reliable golf tee without breaking the bank. They are lightweight, which can help golfers hit golf balls with more control and accuracy. However, they are less durable than other golf tee types and may provide additional stability than wooden golf tees.
Rubber Tees
Rubber golf tees offer golfers a high level of flexibility and durability, making them great for golfers who want to hit golf balls with more power and distance. They are lightweight and can provide golfers with greater control over golf shots. However, they may not be able to provide golfers with the same amount of stability as plastic golf tees or wooden golf tees.
Hybrid Tees
Hybrid golf tees are golf tees that combine the features of different golf tee types. They are made from a combination of plastic and rubber, providing golfers more flexibility than other golf tee types. However, these golf tees may cost more than other golf tee types.
How To Use Golf Tees Properly For Optimal Performance?
Using golf tees properly is essential for achieving the best performance out of your golf swings. The right golf tee can make a big difference in the accuracy and power of your shots and reduce wear and tear on golf clubs. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of golf tees:
Choose the right golf tee length. The golf tee should be long enough to support the golf ball without leaning over but short enough to keep your shots consistent and prevent them from hitting too high or low.
Select a golf tee that’s appropriate for the club you’re using. Each golf club has different types of golf tees, so make sure to select the right one.
Place the golf tee on the ground correctly. Ensure it’s secure and won’t move when you hit the golf ball. If it moves, it could cause your shot to be inaccurate or go off course.
Tee your golf ball at the right height. You need to be higher and get the best performance out of your golf swings.
Common Mistakes When Using Golf Tees
Make sure to avoid these mistakes when using golf tees:
- Over-teeing the golf ball. This will cause your shots to fly too high and make it difficult for you to control them.
- Not using a golf tee appropriate for your golf club. Different golf clubs require different golf tees, so get the right one.
- Not placing the golf tee in the ground securely. Ensure it’s secure and won’t move when you hit the golf ball.
- Teeing your golf ball too low or too high. This can affect your shots and cause them to go off course.
Tips For Choosing The Right Golf Tee For Your Playing Style
When choosing golf tees, golfers should consider their golf game and the type of golf shot they are trying to achieve. As a general rule of thumb, golfers should choose golf tees based on the following criteria:
- The height of the golf tee – Golfers should select golf tees that provide them with the desired golf shot height, as golfers who tee their golf balls too low can reduce their golf ball launch angle and distance.
- The durability of the golf tee – Golfers should choose golf tees that are durable enough to last multiple rounds of golf or an entire round. Plastic and rubber golf tees are often more durable than wooden ones.
- Aerodynamic performance – Golfers should select golf tees that are aerodynamic enough to reduce golf ball friction, which can help golfers achieve maximum distance from their golf shots. Hybrid golf tees usually offer the best of both worlds regarding aerodynamics and durability.
Conclusion
Golf tees are an essential tool for golfers of all levels, and choosing the right golf tee can make a big difference to your golf shots. By understanding the different golf tees available, the benefits and drawbacks of each type, and how to choose the perfect tee, you’ll be able to take your golf game to the next level.
With these tips in mind, golfers can confidently choose golf tees that suit their golf playing style and help them get the most out of their golf swings. With the right golf tee, golfers can take their golf game to the next level and enjoy every round.
FAQs
Do I Hit The Tee When Driving?
No, you don’t have to hit the golf tee when driving. However, it’s important to tee your golf ball at the correct height and ensure it’s secure in the ground. This will help ensure you get the best performance out of your golf shots and make sure they travel accurately.
How Often Should I Replace Golf Tees?
It’s recommended to replace golf tees after each round of golf or a few rounds if they are still in good condition. This will help golfers get the most out of their golf shots and guarantee accuracy.
What Are The Different Color Tees For In Golf?
Different colored golf tees can indicate the golf ball’s placement during a golf game. For example, red golf tees typically indicate that golfers should tee off from the front, while white golf tees designate the center and back of the golf course.
What Color Tee Should I Playoff?
Most golfers should play off white golf tees, as they typically indicate the center of the golf course. However, it is recommended to check with your golf course first, as some golf courses may have different colored golf tee markers that designate specific areas of the golf course.
