Having trouble deciding between plastic and wood tees? We’ll break down the pros and cons of each so you can make a decision. We also include bamboo tees as an emerging option.
Golf Wood Tees
Wood tees have been the standard for many years. Here’s why you might want to consider wood tees:
Pros
- Eco Friendly: Wood tees are biodegradable.
- Cheap: They’re cheaper than plastic tees so you can buy in bulk.
- Reliable: Many golfers find wood tees more reliable overall and can be pushed into the ground with minimal force.
- Available: Wood tees are everywhere and come in various colors and sizes.
- Not Engineered: Wood tees are not engineered with special materials or designs like some plastic tees are.
Cons
- Durability: Wood tees break more often than plastic tees so you’ll end up spending more in the long run.
- Aesthetic Issues: Colorful wood tees will scuff your clubs. If you go for natural colored tees they’ll blend in with the ground and be hard to find.
- Performance: Wood tees will restrict your ball speed because of their stiffness, limiting your ability to hit longer drives.
Plastic Golf Tees
Plastic golf tees are getting popular and here’s why: Plastic tees come in blue!
Pros
- Durability: Plastic tees are flexible and less likely to break. They can last a whole round of golf or more.
- Performance: Many plastic tees have zero friction models that reduce resistance when the ball leaves the tee, potentially giving you more shot.
- Visibility: They come in bright colors so they’re easier to find on the ground.
- Reusability: Plastic tees can be reused if you keep track of them, offering long-term value.
Cons
- Environmental Impact: Plastic tees take longer to biodegrade.
- Bending: Over time plastic tees may bend which can affect performance.
Natural Bamboo Tees
Bamboo tees are an eco-friendly option, considered a ‘green’ option because of their sustainability. Here’s what you need to know:
Pros
- Durability: Bamboo tees are strong and flexible, and can last through several rounds without breaking.
- Environmental Impact: Bamboo grows fast and is highly sustainable. Bamboo tees are biodegradable and eco-friendly.
- Performance: They offer the strength of plastic and the eco-friendliness of wood.
- Color: While bamboo tees are durable and eco-friendly, they don’t come in various colors like plastic tees (yellow).
Cons
- Customization: Bamboo tees have limited height and color options compared to plastic tees which come in various colors including pink.
Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference and priorities. If you prioritize environmental sustainability, wood or bamboo tees might be the way to go. But if you want durability and performance, plastic tees are the way to go.
Some golfers prefer bundled products that offer multiple tee options.
Whatever your choice, remember to keep the golf course clean by disposing of broken tees properly. Golf is a gentleman’s game and keeping the course beautiful is part of that.