Ever stood on tee wondering if you have the ball at the right height? Here’s the complete guide to the question what size golf tees should you use?

As a seasoned golfer, I understand the importance of every little detail when it comes to perfecting your game and one often-overlooked detail that can significantly impact your performance is the size of your golf tee.

Choosing the right golf tee size might seem like a trivial decision, but it can make a world of difference in your game whether you are using a golf driver or an iron off the tee.

Below I share some helpful tips, advice, and information on the various tee sizes to help you make the best choice for your game – most of it from past experience of getting things right in my own game.

Why Golf Tee Size Matters

The primary purpose of a golf tee is to elevate the ball above the ground, allowing you to achieve a clean strike.

The right tee height ensures that your clubface contacts the ball at the optimal angle, which can result in increased distance, accuracy, and consistency.

Using the wrong tee size can lead to problems like inconsistent ball flight, poor contact and less distance off the tee.

Different Tee Sizes

Golf tees come in various sizes as well as shapes, each serving a specific purpose. Here are the most common tee sizes and when to use them:

Standard Tee (2.75 inches to 3.25 inches)

The standard tee size is the most commonly used tee length for drivers and fairway woods. It provides a good balance between tee height and stability.

Use it when using drivers or fairway woods on par-4s and par-5s to achieve the right tee height for maximum distance.

Short Tee (1.5 inches to 2.25 inches)

Short tees are ideal for irons and hybrids, helping you position the ball lower and allowing for a steeper approach angle.

They are also excellent for windy conditions when you want to keep the ball flight lower and more controlled.

Use short tees on par-3s and tight fairways where precision is crucial.

Long Tee (3.5 inches to 4 inches)

Long tees are designed for golfers who want to tee the ball higher, which can help increase the launch angle and reduce backspin.

They are often used by golfers with slower swing speeds to optimize carry distance.

Use long tees on windy days when you need extra height to carry hazards or when you want to maximize distance with your driver.

Castle Tees

These tees have a unique castle-like shape with a flat top and prongs on the sides.

They offer stability while reducing contact with the clubface and are often used by golfers seeking more control over their ball flight.

Plastic Tees

Made from robust materials like polypropylene, plastic tees are incredibly durable and can withstand repeated use. They are also available in a wide range of lengths.

Wooden Tees & Colour Coded Tees

These are the classic tees made from wood, typically birch or hardwood. They come in various lengths and are the most common type of golf tee.

These wooden tees come in various colors, helping golfers quickly identify the correct tee height based on their club choice.

Bamboo Tees

Environmentally conscious golfers often opt for bamboo tees due to their sustainability. They are strong and durable while being biodegradable and are relatively new to the market.

Companies like Green Tees are leaders in the field when it comes to Bamboo tees.

Zero Friction Tee

These tees feature prongs rather than a traditional shaft and cup design.

Zero friction tees reduce resistance and allow for less friction between the clubface and the ball, potentially increasing distance.

They come in various lengths, so choose the one that suits your preferences.

Rubber Tees

Typically used at driving ranges, these tees are made of rubber and come in fixed heights. They are designed to be durable and withstand heavy use.

These tees have adjustable stems, making it easier to set the desired tee height. They are commonly used at driving ranges and for indoor practice.

Personalized Tees

Some golfers opt for custom tees with their names or logos. These tees may come in various materials and lengths, offering a personalized touch to your game.

Right Height Of Tee For Each Golf Club Type (including driver, woods, hybrids and irons)

Selecting the right tee height for each club type is crucial for maximizing your performance on the golf course. Here’s some advice on the ideal tee height for various clubs:

Driver

The driver is designed for maximum distance off the tee, so you generally want to tee the ball high.

The ideal tee height for a driver is when half of the ball is above the clubhead when the clubface is square at address.

Use a standard tee, which is typically around 2.75 to 3.25 inches in length.

Adjust the tee height slightly based on your swing and the desired ball flight.

A higher tee height may promote a higher launch angle and less backspin, which can lead to longer drives.

Fairway Woods

Tee height for fairway woods can be slightly lower than for a driver, but it still depends on the golfer’s preference.

Aim for a tee height where about a quarter to a third of the ball is above the clubface at address.

Use a standard tee or a slightly shorter tee, around 2.5 inches in length, for fairway woods.

Hybrids

Hybrids are versatile clubs, and the tee height should be adjusted based on the specific golfer.

For most situations, tee the ball so that the top of the hybrid’s face is level with the equator of the ball.

This can often be achieved with a shorter tee, around 2 inches in length, or a standard tee pushed slightly further into the ground.

Irons

Irons are typically hit off the ground, so you don’t use tees for standard iron shots.

For certain situations like hitting from a par-3 tee box or when using a tee to practice your iron shots, you can use a short tee (1.5 to 2.25 inches) to ensure a consistent height.