In our previous post, we covered Chipping Distance Control Tips and Techniques highlighting essential methods to improve accuracy and consistency around the greens. Now it’s time to step back and tackle a fundamental part of every golf shot: teeing up the ball. Whether you’re getting ready for your driver or setting up a shot with an iron, how you tee up the ball can significantly affect your shot accuracy, distance, and consistency.
If you’ve ever felt like your tee shots were off, or if you struggle with consistency off the tee, this post is for you. In this post, we’re going to go over everything you need to know about properly teeing up the ball and how this can set you up for a successful shot.
Why Properly Tee Up the Ball Matters
Teed shots make up a large part of your golf game, especially on par-4s and par-5s. How you tee the ball influences the angle of your attack, the contact between your clubface and the ball, and ultimately the distance you can hit the ball. Teeing it up properly can make all the difference in your game by helping you achieve more consistency, control, and power.
By learning how to tee up the ball properly, you can:
- Achieve better club-ball contact
- Increase the distance of your shots
- Control the trajectory of the ball
- Lower the chances of topping or mis-hitting your shots
How High Should You Tee Up the Ball?
One of the most important aspects of teeing up the ball is setting it to the correct height. If you tee the ball too high or too low, it can affect your shot quality. Let’s look at the recommended ball height based on the club you’re using.
Driver
When using a driver, you want to tee the ball high enough to make solid contact with the clubface, but not too high that you risk missing the sweet spot. A general rule of thumb for driver tee height is to have the top of the ball even with the top edge of the clubhead when the club is resting on the ground.
| Driver Tee Height | Ball Position |
| Standard Height | Top of the ball even with the top edge of the clubhead |
| Too High | Ball above the clubhead at address |
| Too Low | Ball too low and barely above the clubhead |
Teeing the ball at the right height with a driver will help you hit up on the ball, maximizing your distance and achieving a higher launch angle.
Fairway Woods & Hybrids
When using fairway woods or hybrids, you don’t need the ball teed up as high as with a driver. The ball should still be slightly above the ground but not as elevated as with your driver.
| Fairway Wood Tee Height | Ball Position |
| Standard Height | Half of the ball above the ground |
| Too High | Ball sitting too high, leading to poor contact |
| Too Low | Ball too close to the ground for a clean strike |
Teeing it low but still visible allows you to hit a clean shot with these clubs.
Irons
When using irons, you generally don’t need to use a tee at all. However, some golfers like to use a low tee for consistency, particularly when hitting from the tee box on par-3s. The ball should rest just above the ground with a slight raise to ensure you make clean contact with the ball.
| Iron Tee Height | Ball Position |
| Standard Height | Just above the ground with the sole of the club resting flat on the turf |
| Too High | Ball too elevated, causing mishits |
| Too Low | Ball too low, potentially causing fat shots |
For iron shots, you should aim to hit the ball first, then the ground.
How to Position the Ball in Relation to Your Stance
While tee height is crucial, ball position is equally important. Where you position the ball in your stance can drastically impact the trajectory and direction of your shot.
- Driver: The ball should be positioned near the inside of your front foot (left foot for right-handed players). This allows you to strike the ball with an upward angle of attack, maximizing distance.
- Fairway Woods/Hybrids: Position the ball slightly forward in your stance, just inside the left heel (for right-handed players), to help you strike the ball cleanly.
- Irons: The ball should be placed in the middle of your stance. This encourages you to strike down on the ball for a crisp shot.
Here’s a simple reference for ball position by club:
| Club | Ball Position |
| Driver | Inside left heel (for right-handed golfers) |
| Fairway Wood/Hybrid | Inside left heel, slightly forward |
| Irons (Short to Long) | Middle of stance, gradually moving forward with longer irons |
Tees: What Type Should You Use?
The tee you use can also affect your tee shots. Golf tees come in a variety of materials and heights, and choosing the right one can help you achieve optimal results.
Wooden Tees
These are the most traditional type of golf tees. Wooden tees are durable and easy to adjust in terms of height.
Pros:
- Simple and affordable
- Available in various heights
Cons:
- Breaks easily after extended use
- Can be challenging to keep consistent height
Plastic Tees
Plastic tees are more durable than wooden tees and can last longer. They’re adjustable and often feature markers to ensure consistent height.
Pros:
- Durable and long-lasting
- More consistent height markers
Cons:
- May be slightly more expensive than wooden tees
Brush Tees
Brush tees are designed with bristles that reduce the amount of resistance between the ball and the tee. This is useful for minimizing spin and promoting a more consistent launch.
Pros:
- Reduces resistance for a cleaner hit
- More consistent launch angle
Cons:
- Can be more expensive than regular tees
- May not be suitable for all tee boxes
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Teeing Up the Ball
While it may seem simple, there are some common mistakes that can sabotage your tee shots.
- Teeling the Ball Too High: When the ball is too high, it can lead to poor contact with the driver, resulting in mis-hits or sky-high shots that lack distance.
- Teeling the Ball Too Low: A tee that’s too low doesn’t give you enough room to get under the ball, making it harder to launch the shot cleanly.
- Not Adjusting for Club Selection: Always remember that your tee height should change depending on which club you’re using.
- Improper Ball Position: Incorrect ball position in your stance can lead to mis-hits, slices, or hooks.
Teeing Up the Ball: A Step-by-Step Guide
To ensure you’re consistently teeing up the ball correctly, here’s a step-by-step guide to follow:
Select Your Tee: Pick a tee based on the club you’re using. Use a wooden tee for most shots, but consider a brush tee if you want more consistency with your driver.
Adjust the Height: For your driver, the top of the ball should be even with the top edge of the clubhead. For irons, make sure the ball is just above the ground.
Position the Ball: Place the ball in the correct spot in your stance depending on the club. The ball should be inside your front foot for a driver, and centered for irons.
Check Your Stance: Make sure your feet are shoulder-width apart, and your weight is evenly distributed on both legs.
Address the Ball: With the correct tee height and ball position, step up to the ball and get comfortable in your stance. Make sure your grip and posture are set before you swing.
Conclusion
Teeming up the ball properly is a basic skill, but it’s one that’s often overlooked. By following the tips in this post and practicing good tee habits, you’ll set yourself up for more consistent and powerful shots. From your tee height to your ball position, every little detail matters in maximizing your distance and accuracy.
Now that we’ve covered teeing up the ball, it’s time to prepare for our next lesson: understanding the different types of golf shots (like draw, fade, punch, and flop). Stick around, and we’ll dive into those next.
