Best golf tees: Not all golf tees are created equal

Classic white. Check. Hardwood. Check. Pride PTS (Professional Tee System) ProLength golf tees are a solid choice for traditionalists. They come in five different lengths so you can use the exact right tee height you desire, whether you’re teeing up a driver, fairway wood or iron. Each size includes a unique color system so you not only now how far to stick your tee into the ground, but you won’t get confused if you’re carrying multiple lengths in your pocket. Pride claims the PTS ProLength tees are the No. 1 choice on the PGA Tour. We can’t confirm that fact, but we can confirm this is a terrific tee choice.

$5.63 (for a pack of 100)

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4 Yards More Reduced Friction golf tees tell their story in their name. The company claims their tee technology will help you hit the ball farther, and straighter, too. But these are not your father’s golf tees. Made from plastic, the 4 Yards More tees have a flexible six-prong top. That helps to reduce friction and resistance between the ball and tee, allowing you to made cleaner contact. Some golfers will be turned off by the innovative design, but these tees can get the job done for those willing to take a chance. They also don’t lack in durability, as they are advertised to last for more than 100 shots.

$4.24 (for a pack of 4)

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Wood golf tees have a tendency to break, which causes two problems. First, you have to carry a bunch to last you a full round, and, second, broken wood tees accumulate on golf courses which can be unsightly and even environmentally problematic. The Wedge Guys PGA Approved Professional Bamboo tees address both those issues. The bamboo these tees are made from is both stronger than normal wood tees, so they won’t break as often. They’re also biodegradable, so when they do snap, they’ll break down in short order and not cause any ecological damage.

$9.99 (for a pack of 250)

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If superior performance is your primary concern when it comes to golf tees, the Zero Friction Tour 3-Prong tees are a great choice. These plastic tees feature three prongs instead of one, but maintain a traditional-looking design. The prongs reduce the surface contact leading to longer drives without utilizing any strange-looking features. Zero Friction claims their tees have been used in 70 Tour victories, so though some golfers might have trouble getting the ball to stay on the tri-pronged tip, if you stick with them you could see some yardage gains.

$12.04 (for a pack of 30)

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The Epochs feature a plastic design with four shallow prongs, or “radius posts,” to rest your ball on, and they come in several different sizes and colors. In addition, you can get Epochs with colored rings to help you maintain consistent tee heights, and those come in many different color options as well. You can even buy Epochs that feature other additional designs, like marlins, anchors, and leopard prints.

$11.99 (for a pack of 40)

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A lot of tees claim to reduce friction by using multiple points of contact so less surface area of the ball is touching the tee. Brush-T is no different, but their chosen design is far more radical. Brush-T creates brush-style golf tees, which use a series of plastic bristles instead of the traditional ball rest. If you can get over the out-of-this-world design, you might enjoy the performance benefits.

$6.90 (for a pack of 3)

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If you want to combine performance with a little bit of style, check out the Martini Golf Durable Plastic Tees. The Martinis have a ball rest that’s shaped like a martini glass. But it’s not just for show. The company claims the unique cupped ball rest reduces friction on tee shots, resulting in longer, more consistent drives. The tees come in a variety of different pastel colors, or you can opt for a mixed bag.

$6.18 (for a pack of 5)

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