Top Golf Tees to Use at the 2025 PGA Championship

Key Takeaways

· Choosing the best golf tee is important even at the PGA Championship level! Tee height, material and design all affect shot accuracy, distance and consistency when facing the pressure of a championship.

· Here’s what our pro golfers look for Tees that provide the best guarantee of dependability, durability and consistent performance. Most of them prefer adjustable height and stable base designs to accommodate different club and shot styles.

· Material selection affects both tee performance and environmental impact. So, whether you go with wood, bamboo or high-performance plastics, it’s all about doing what’s best for playability and sustainability.

· These advances in tee design translate into quantifiable gains in ball speed and launch angle consistency. This is particularly advantageous in difficult course conditions, due to low-friction surfaces and patented push stability technology.

· Adapting tee selection to course conditions, including ground firmness and wind, is essential for maximizing performance at elite venues across the United States.

· Sustainable tee options, particularly biodegradable and eco-friendly models, are increasingly favored by both tour professionals and amateur golfers, reflecting a growing commitment to reducing the sport's environmental impact.

Our picks for best golf tees for the PGA Championship are durable, consistent, quality golf tees. They are an ideal fit for pro play on U.S. Championship courses.

Best quality options feature durable hardwood or high quality plastic and are designed to minimize drag in narrow fairways and zip through tight turf. Size and ease of use is important, with the majority of pros using tees anywhere from 2.75 to 3.25 inches in size.

When choosing the appropriate tee, consider the course guidelines, your swing style and the desired ball height for each tee shot.

Why Tees Matter at PGA Level

At the PGA Championship, small decisions make for big impacts. While the golf tee is frequently overlooked as standard equipment, it is a unique piece of player equipment that can greatly influence a player’s game. Choosing the right tee goes beyond teeing the ball higher.

It allows distance management, precision targeting and at times positively influences a competitor’s mental state. If you are looking to play like the pros with their consistency, then you must realize the importance of a golf tee. This understanding is fundamental for any golfer.

More Than Just Holding Golf Balls

More than just holding golf balls, golf tees have a somewhat poorly understood but important function. They assist with determining the consistent ball placement for each stroke, allowing players to replicate technique and target on every tee shot. This consistent environment reduces mishits and increases shot confidence.

Every aspect of the tee’s design—from the depth of the cup to the width of the shaft—can influence how the ball launches and spins. A basic wooden tee may be adequate for a low-impact driver. In contrast, a low-resistance plastic tee lowers spin for longer distance rollout.

When wind or rough grass can blow or deflect a ball, stable tees help shots stay better on line, increasing reliability.

Launch, Spin: The Tee's Role

Launch, Spin: The Tee’s Impact on Ball Flight Tee height affects launch angle and spin. A large, high tee produces long, high slices. Lower tees are better for irons, allowing the ball to be hit lower and more controlled.

Different materials—bamboo, wood, or plastic—each affect how the ball launches off the club. Even PGA pros choose their tees based on club, type of shot they want and setup of the course. They know the science: less friction means more speed and better flight.

Gaining a Mental Edge

Second, a familiar and reliable golf tee creates confidence. It provides players the ultimate sense of security, knowing their equipment won’t fail them. This performance advantage aids concentration and keeps anxiety at bay, particularly when the pressure is on.

Top Tees for PGA Players

With all the technology in golf, tees may seem like an afterthought. For PGA Championship competitors, the correct tee can be the difference between a strong opening round and a blown opportunity.

Best tees are selected for their superior material quality and design. They just happen to accommodate each player’s unique swing, playing style, and course conditions.

1. Pro-Preferred Tee Qualities

PGA pros are notoriously finicky with their equipment, right down to the tee. They are looking for durable tees that can withstand the punishment of hundreds of drives and not break under a little bit of stress.

Durability, of course, is important, especially while in the midst of a tournament where every ounce of concentration counts. On-performance is just as important, too—pros want to find tees that provide the same ball height and stability, time after time, shot after shot.

Height adjustability is key, allowing players to get the exact club and shot type setup they need. First, a tee should keep the ball in place. It should release it cleanly on the strike, which is where grip and stability become factors.

Brands such as Pride Professional Tee System and Martini Tees become favorites because they check all these boxes. With the stakes of PGA rounds so high, those tiny differences in design and material can help provide a player with a greater sense of confidence and eliminate distractions.

2. Tour-Tested Material Choices

Wooden tees are the traditional go-to. They are chosen for their solid feel and reliable performance—many PGA players say wood gives the best distance and keeps ball spin low.

They are more prone to breaking than either plastic or bamboo, which can be a nuisance during a long round of golf. Bamboo tees have gotten trendy in the last few years. They outlast wooden tees, resist fracturing with repeated use, and attract environmentally-conscious players.

With bamboo growing 3 to 10 times faster than hardwood, it’s a great option for environmentally-conscious players. Plastic tees are preferred for their durability and are available in various shapes and colors.

Some players aren’t fans of the artificial feel; however, the durability on courses with heavy traffic is unmatched. Feedback from PGA pros shows that a growing number appreciate bamboo’s long life and environmental benefits, while some still prefer traditional wood for its trusted performance.

3. Innovative Designs on Display

More recently, golf tee design has developed in some interesting and innovative ways. It has always been a game of inches, with companies constantly modifying designs and functions to discover tiny advantages.

Certain new tees even have notched stems. These little notches allow you to easily install the ball at the exact same height each time, promoting better consistency! Tees such as the Zero Friction ZFT Max use a three-prong top.

This unique design allows less surface area to come in contact with the ball, decreases drag angles, and increases launch. Some of the specialty models come with heads that move or with markers already built in.

These innovative designs keep the ball on its intended path and minimize its spin. Despite these advances, most pros still continue using simple wooden tees. The others, the performance players, look for design cues to get added precision, especially in inclement conditions.

In fact, most testing indicates that the performance difference between a high-tech tee and a classic wooden tee is marginal at best. The proper design can increase your confidence on the course.

4. Durability Under Pressure

Tournament golf really puts tees to the test—unrelenting hard swings, wet, hairy grass, and grueling 36 hole days. With wooden tees, you’d experience snapping more often, but they’re inexpensive and simple to swap out.

Bamboo, for example, lasts longer and holds up better in the rain or extreme heat, which is why it’s typically used during large scale events. Plastic tees don’t break very easily but will bend or lose shape after consistent use.

When it gets down to pure longevity, bamboo usually wins, with plastic, then wood trailing behind. Those extra dollars spent on a better-quality tee will pay off. The last thing players want is to be caught off guard by faulty equipment during a crucial moment.

5. Consistency: A Champion's Need

All PGA pros know that they need consistency. A tee that always keeps the ball at the same height takes the guesswork out of it. This cool feature lets players zone in on every single shot and swing.

If the tee is set too high or too low, this can affect how the ball travels. This particular change affects both distance and control. For consistent performance, play off tees with defined markers or fixed height.

You can also hold a consistent tee insertion pattern.

· Play with tees that have lines or notches painted on them to give you a repeatable height.

· Set a pre-shot routine for tee placement.

· Practice with the same tee type before tournament rounds.

· Monitor your tee height every few holes to maintain consistent play.

It’s so natural that many pros will tee up as part of their warm-up, so it’s ingrained.

6. Matching Tees to Your Swing

You’ll want heavier duty tees so they don’t snap with faster swings, but if you have a slower swing, you can go with lighter, regular tees. The club you use plays a factor too—drivers require taller tees, while irons or hybrids perform best with a lower tee height.

Someone who takes a big sweeping swing would prefer to use a higher tee. Players who hit down on the ball would play a shorter tee, or none at all, sometimes opting for a small mound of dirt for lower irons, like on par 3’s.

Personal swing quirks affect which tee feels best, so trying a few types is smart for dialing in what works.

7. Customization for Peak Play

Modern tees come in multiple colors and have different design options to cater to personal style. Adjustable tees allow players to make adjustments during play to accommodate different clubs or wind conditions.

Other brands make tees in bright colors or with a grooved surface to improve grip and reduce drop height. Custom tees featuring your logo or player’s initials really dial in the personalization.

· Adjustable height systems

· Non-slip grips or textured stems

· Color-coded sizes for easy club pairing

· Custom stamps or logos

Custom tees can help improve a player’s comfort and confidence—ensuring that the tee box feels like home from the moment they step up to the ball.

8. Tees Pros Will Use in 2025

The future of tee technology will probably combine sustainable materials with intelligent design. More brands are making the switch to bamboo and recycled plastics, dictated not only by players’ wishes but their rules.

Tees that have height markers built in, or tees that have flexible tee heads, might be the future standard. Since pros will be seeking every advantage, you can count on more attention being paid to drag reduction and launch condition optimization.

Player feedback will determine the direction of these trends, but expect future tees to be engineered for both greater sustainability and more subtle performance advantages.

Tee Materials: Tour Performance

Tee material is not an insignificant detail, as the right golf tee can significantly impact launch, spin, and even the golfing experience’s environmental footprint. Here’s a brief overview of each of the key contenders, how they perform, and why professional golfers choose them.

Classic Wood: The Pro Standard

Wooden tees have historically been the preferred option on tour. They provide a direct, stout sensation upon impact, one that tons of tour players claim allows them to better feel their swings. Hardwood tees—such as birch or maple—in addition to providing a reliable and even height, break clean and allow for quick player changeouts.

Their natural appearance and feel, along with their performance, are an essential aspect of golf’s tradition, as well. That’s the reason you’ll find both 2.1-inch and 3.3-inch wood tees in pro bags—different shots require different heights. Wood does break, so bringing spares is common practice.

Bamboo: Strong, Sustainable Option

Bamboo tees are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. As bamboo is actually harder than most traditional woods, these tees hold up longer, but break down organically. This combination makes them an excellent choice for eco-friendly events, particularly as the game of golf comes under increasing scrutiny to reduce its impact on the environment.

Better quality brands like PrideSports and Green Keepers now provide quality bamboo alternatives that feel wood-like, but last longer. Bamboo’s rise is indicative of a larger move towards more sustainable gear on tour.

Performance Plastics: Benefits, Drawbacks

In plastic tees, zero-friction and brush tees, there is consistency. They both don’t break as frequently and promote a more pure strike by directing a mis-hit away. Some plastic tees employ a design with grooves or flexible bristles to reduce friction, but they’re less Eco-friendly.

Despite the advent of new biodegradable plastics, most pros still default to wood or bamboo for major events.

How Materials Affect Trajectory

Tee stiffness and height affects launch and spin. Rigid tees prevent movement to impact, softer tees can absorb energy. Factors include:

· Material stiffness

· Tee height (2.1 vs 3.3 inches)

· Friction at impact

· Repeatability of launch.

Pros often change tees based on course or weather conditions, looking for the ideal launch every single shot.

Tee Tech: Innovations for Pros

The golf tees you see the pros using during the PGA Championship weren’t always this high-tech. Brands continue to look for innovative ways to help pros capitalize on more shots. Today, tee tech is informed by science, data, and the input of actual pros working in the field.

Companies are testing fresh materials, like bamboo, to make tees that work well and do less harm to the course. These improvements aid in distance, precision, and shot shaping. Even the subtlest of improvements are crucial for players competing at the PGA TOUR level.

Unique Designs for Max Stability

Unstable tees can lead to unstable swings. Innovative new shapes allow players to keep the ball stationary so they can strike with greater confidence, even on uneven terrain. A solid surface also allows for consistent tee placement, which is essential to creating repeatable swings.

Others now come with wider feet, ridged shafts or weighted bases. These improvements make it impossible for them to move in a meaningful way. For example:

· Wider bottoms for firm hold on grass or sand

· Built-in height marks to help with even setup

· Six pronged tips to reduce drag at impact

· Flexible stems that bend but don’t snap

Low-Friction Tee Advancements

Low-friction tees allow the ball to fly more. By reducing turf drag, these tees allow the clubface to make cleaner contact, resulting in shots traveling farther and higher.

Producers such as Zero Friction and Pride Professional Tee System follow suit with their own proprietary mixes of plastics and/or design modifications. These tees stand out when the wind starts blowing, when even the slightest improvements in launch and spin can have a huge impact.

Tech Boosting Ball Flight Data

Tech has advanced to the point where just about every aspect of ball flight is tracked. Today, launch monitors and high-speed cameras take this analysis to another level by breaking down launch angle, spin, and ball speed.

This information helps pros determine what tee is best for their swing and clubs. Key metrics to look at:

· Launch angle

· Ball speed

· Spin rate

· Carry distance

Perfect Tee Height and Length

The stakes of professional golf at the PGA Championship level are razor fine. One of those other critical factors is tee height! Choose the best tee height and length! This decision determines how the shot flies, how far it carries, and how repeatable that shot is.

The ideal teeing arrangement starts by knowing how your clubs respond to different tee heights. Understanding how tee design influences performance is key!

Perfect tee height is all about accommodating your club. A 4-inch tee height places the ball significantly above the level of the grass allowing drivers to get under the ball and generate greater launch. Most players will continue using a 3.25 tee with their drivers.

It lifts the ball just the right amount to ensure a pristine hit! Shorter tees such as 1.5-inch or 2.125-inch are generally used for irons or fairway woods. These tee it lower, which promotes better control and accuracy, especially on tighter, shorter holes.

Ball position too, as tee length can affect this, and even a small adjustment can alter launch angle and shot trajectory.

Recommended Tee Heights:

· Driver: 3.25–4 inches

· Fairway woods: 2–2.5 inches

· Irons/hybrids: 1.5–2.125 inches

To maximize proper launch angles, tee the ball so the ball’s equator is level with the driver’s crown. Or, place the ball so that one-third or half of the ball is above the top edge of the clubface.

Other players simply like to hit down on the ball with the top of the driver. Others simply engage a quarter of the ball above the crown. All of these options illustrate the fact that teeing can, and should, be a personal experience.

Dialing In Driver Tee Height

Maximizing driver performance starts with using a tee height that works with your swing. Taller tees, such as the 4-inch, create an upward launch to increase distance. Lowering tees can help improve control, but it can come at the expense of yardage.

Second, swing style—a more vertical swing will require a lower tee height, whereas a more sweeping motion will get more use out of a higher tee setup.

Tips for Adjusting Tee Height:

· To add some additional lift, experiment with the ball teed so that half of it is above the crown.

· Play a lower tee for added control and spin reduction.

· On very windy days, consider altering your tee height to help control your ball’s flight.

· Track results and adjust as needed for consistency.

Find what works for you through experimentation. PGA pros will frequently adjust their tee height while on the tee box to fit with the conditions.

Tees for Irons, Fairway Woods

On an iron or fairway wood, shorter tees work much better. By maintaining the tee lower, it allows for more control on shots preventing ballooning and creating a better chance of making solid contact.

The correct height significantly improves the trajectory of the shot with a more penetrating flight and increased precision.

Tee Height Recommendations:

· Irons: 1.5–2 inches, with the ball just atop the grass

· Fairway woods: 2–2.5 inches, ball slightly above ground

Every shot requires a specific setup. We’ll discuss exceptions, like par-3 holes requiring the shortest tees or long fairway shots benefiting from a slight boost.

Consistent Height Systems Explained

Consistent height systems, such as the ProLength Plus Golf Tee, utilize markings or collars to guide golfers in establishing the same tee height consistently. These systems help ensure more repeatable shots and facilitate confidence building.

Popular Systems:

· Marked plastic tees with colored bands

· Step tees with built-in stops

· Adjustable tees with locking collars

Proper use of these can help practices and rounds become more consistent, allowing players to concentrate on swing instead of setup.

Course Conditions & Tee Choice

PGA Championship courses require intelligent decisions on the right golf tee. The applicable tee will vary based on course setup, firmness of ground, weather conditions, and course layout. Players who adjust to these conditions, including using bamboo tees or traditional tees, pick up minor but critical advantages, leading to improved accuracy and successful tee shots.

Firm Ground vs. Soft Ground

Firm ground allows for even tees to remain in place and vertical. This is another area where plastic or hardwood tees perform the best, as they don’t bend and break as easily. On soft ground it’s easier for tees to sink in further.

Wider or wider/stepped tees reduce tee lean. Ball flight is impacted if the tee is angled or too far into the ground, so stability matters. Adjusting tee height is especially important when playing from soft ground conditions—raise the tee slightly so you can maintain your proper launch angles.

Tips for ground firmness:

· Use hardwood or PLASTIC on firm ground to minimize breakage.

· Pick wider or stepped tees for soft, wet ground.

· If the ground is soft, raise the tees a bit higher to ensure you maintain proper ball position.

· Check tee after each shot for tilt or lean.

Tee Strategy for Windy Days

Wind has an impact on what tee height and type are ideal. Decreased tee heights assist in penetrating any crosswinds and preventing ballooning tee shots. Long durable tees hold up better in the wind, but if you know it’s going to be calm, use higher tees that day.

Windy day adjustments:

· Drop tee height to flatten launch.

· Choose heavier tees for less movement in the wind.

· Angle tee slightly into the wind for more control.

· Always watch wind direction before teeing up.

PGA Venue Tee Considerations

Each PGA venue has its own quirks. Time of year and course conditions play a significant role. Firm, fast greens and tight fairways require low-resistance tees. On tree-lined tracks, consider the wind shadow and shade effects.

Venue-specific tips:

· Study the local soil—choose tee material that fits.

· Use shorter tees for links courses.

· Talk with locals or caddies for hidden course traits.

In the end, it’s a lot of local knowledge that determines the best tee to play for any given day.

Pro Insights: Tee Reliability

At the PGA Championship, tee reliability is not just a nice-to-have. It’s not just a matter of aesthetics, it’s about performance, reliability, and building user confidence. Tee Professionals Professional golfers won’t settle for anything less than a tee that won’t break with abuse, won’t wiggle and won’t fail them consistently day after day.

This reliability informs the technical design, but more importantly, the real-world decisions that pros make each week.

What Pros Demand from Tees

Reliability is the name of the game. They demand reliability, so every tee shot begins from the same place. Build quality and durability are incredibly important. Tees should be able to withstand heavy use and have a reliable performance of not breaking on the first swing.

Material quality tees with wooden and biodegradable materials, ranging between 2.75 and 3.25 inches in height, are relatively standard. These provide the ideal combination of solidity and brittleness. Finally, tees need to be reliable. A consistent tee provides a solid foundation for the ball to sit properly and launch cleanly.

Here’s what matters most:

· Consistent tee height to match swing and club choice

· High-quality wood or reliable biodegradable materials

· Strong enough to avoid frequent breaks

· Stable base for the golf ball

Field Testing for Dependability

This is why manufacturers and pros alike field test tees specially designed to withstand the rigors of actual play. They test performance across a variety of conditions from weather to turf to swing speed. Player feedback is the most important aspect.

It assists brands in adjusting design aspects, such as base width or tip shape. The main things checked in testing include:

· Durability on repeated shots

· Consistency in ball height and launch

· Feel at impact

· Performance with different clubs

Longevity in Tournament Golf

Tee durability is important, particularly over the course of four rounds. Less downtime and easier maintenance with durable tees allow players to focus on the game. Wooden and bamboo tees are preferred for durability.

Tips for making tees last:

· Rotate tees to spread out wear

· Use proper tee length for each shot

· Avoid forcing tees into hard ground

Sustainable Teeing in Golf

Sustainability in golf gear is increasing across the industry, and the PGA Championship is at the forefront of this shift. Consider the golfer. Golfers are just as interested in gear that performs better and is good for the planet.

These eco-friendly tees are far from a fad—they’re an example of how the sport of golf can protect and restore our environment. Making the switch to these tees dramatically reduces waste and leaves our courses cleaner for the next round of play.

Don’t worry! There are plenty of sustainable tee alternatives available out there. Alternatives to plastic tees include those made with bamboo, recycled wood, cornstarch, and paper composites.

These are specifically designed to break down in the soil without toxic residues. Brands such as Green Swing, PrideSports, and Ocean Tee are popularly recognized for these product lines. Some even mix in recycled plastics with the natural fibers to reduce the carbon footprint.

There are obvious ecological benefits to selecting green tees. Less plastic littered along fairways, and fewer microplastics leaching into the soil.

These decisions benefit both courses and the wildlife that calls them home. As more golfers adopt earth-friendly tees, the entire game takes an important step in embracing sustainable practices.

Reducing Plastic on the Links

Golf is making an effort to reduce plastic. In the first phase of these programs, clubs have replaced plastic tees with environmentally friendly alternatives.

Biodegradable tees decompose quickly, so they won’t leave any trace behind. Popular brands such as Ocean Tee, GreenKeepers, and Martini Tee are at the forefront of this change.

Sustainable practices ensure courses stay in good condition over time, while demonstrating that the sport’s participants are environmentally conscious.

Biodegradable Tee Alternatives

Bamboo and cornstarch tees are increasingly common. They hold up through a round of golf and decompose quickly after that.

Most still perform just as well or better than traditional plastic or wood tees. Environmental advantages are reduced waste, reduced soil damage, and reduced waste from lost tees.

These decisions not only put golf on the forefront of caring for the courses that it uses.

Tour Pros Embrace Eco-Friendly

It’s become more common to see pros using the green tees these days. They explain why it’s important and lead by example.

Changing tees reduces the waste of the sport. They have the support of players such as Rory McIlroy, Collin Morikawa, and Lydia Ko.

Tour Pros Embrace Eco-Friendly with more tour players switching to eco-wise gear every season.

Conclusion

Choosing the best golf tee will improve your chances at the PGA Championship. Players select tees for their swing characteristics, the type of turf on the course, and their equipment. Others pros prefer a firmer hardwood tee. Some choose plastic or eco tees for reduced drag and environmental impact. Use shorter tees to your advantage on par-threes. Extra length on tees provides drivers with additional space. Unlike golf, where techy tees offer tangible advantages, the better player always wins in the end. San Francisco’s notorious winds and cool, firm ground calls for a tough, table tee. See what the pros are playing and test out a variety of styles leading up to the main event. Interested in gaining the competitive edge? Put your golf tees to the test on actual turf, turf, and course conditions. Share what’s working for you with your crew. Let your game speak for itself—not the size of your tee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of golf tees do PGA pros prefer?

The overwhelming majority of PGA pros use durable plastic tees or traditional tees of the highest quality. They choose the right golf tee that provides a stable base, appropriate tee length, and the least amount of friction for maximum distance and accuracy.

Does tee height affect performance at the PGA Championship?

Yes, tee height does make a difference, especially for amateur golfers seeking improved accuracy. The optimal tee height allows golfers to strike the center of the face consistently, control the launch angle, and achieve maximum distance potential. Even professional golfers will adjust their tee height based on the driver and course conditions.

Are there specific tee brands favored by PGA players?

Other brands—like Pride Professional Tee System and CHAMP Zarma FlyTees, for instance—are popular choices among professional golfers on tour. They’re relied upon for their durability and proven performance under the rigors of championship play.

Why are sustainable golf tees gaining popularity in tournaments?

Bamboo or biodegradable sustainable tees, like traditional tees, have less impact on the environment. Growing PGA events support their use to save golf courses and fit in with eco-friendly golf trends.

How do course conditions influence tee choice at the PGA Championship?

In addition, soft or wet turf requires a little more solidity so that the golf tee remains stable. Dry or firm conditions would allow amateur golfers to use thinner plastic tees. That’s something pros would never do, always choosing the right golf tee for the course’s natural grass to achieve optimal performance.

What innovations in tee design help PGA pros?

To reduce friction for even more distance, the latest golf tees are designed with anti-friction coatings, low-resistance tops, and reinforced shafts. These innovations allow professional golfers to produce longer, straighter drives with less sidespin, enhancing their overall performance.

Is there an ideal tee length for PGA-level play?

The majority of pros play with golf tees that are from 2.75 to 3.25 inches long for drivers. This wide range provides the flexibility for tee height adjustment, allowing golfers to dial in for specific club types and optimal performance off the tee.