If you’ve ever watched the Olympics — including the current iteration — you know that branding is everywhere. The five rings of the Games are on everything from the grandstands to the medals. And the golf course is no exception. As golfers compete in the Olympics for just the second time in over 100 years, they tee off from a pair of five rings on either side of them as that Olympic branding serves as the tee markers.
Having branded tee markers is nothing new, but some events do it better than others. That got me thinking — which event has the best tee markers in golf? With the help of some great suggestions from social media, I’ve compiled 12 of my favorites below and ranked them accordingly.
12. Sanderson Farms Championship
The Sanderson Farms Championship has a fun take on tee markers, and it ties into their local community. All the chickens perched atop the markers are painted by patients at Friends of Children’s Hospital, the charitable beneficiary for the event. This is a great way to get their branding out there while also giving back to the community. Well done.
11. USGA
The classic USGA markers are used at qualifying sites all the way through the various national championships they conduct. Simple, understated and identifiable.
10. Wells Fargo Championship
The Wells Fargo Classic uses stagecoach tee markers that pay homage to their history as a company that brings their “customers closer to the things they value.” Who doesn’t love a good stagecoach?
9. Waste Management Phoenix Open
The Waste Management Phoenix Open might be the biggest party in golf, but their tee markers (unfortunately) are not affiliated with that reputation. Instead, they use the tee box to showcase miniature versions of their garbage trucks.
8. Valspar Championship
The Valspar Championship’s paint bucket tee markers are truly one of a kind. No word yet on whether they actually contain paint or not.
7. Barbasol Championship
Forgot to shave before heading to the course? It’s not a problem at the Barbasol Championship!
6. Marathon LPGA Classic
The Marathon LPGA Classic uses miniature gas pumps to mark the tees at their annual event. If you need to fill up, you better bring your miniature credit card.
5. BMW Charity Pro-Am
At the Korn Ferry Tour’s annual pro-am event, tees are denoted with tiny BMWs. While you’re in town, you can also check out BMW’s U.S. manufacturing plant which is right down the road from the course.
4. Porsche European Open
Can anything get you more pumped to blast a drive down the fairway than a cherry-red Porsche sitting on the tee box?
3. ANA Inspiration
American fans might not be familiar with Japanese airline ANA, but they make sure to make their business apparent with jumbo jet tee markers at the year’s first major.
2. John Deere Classic
The John Deere Classic tee markers have long been a fan favorite, and it’s easy to see why.
1. Olympics
It’s tough to beat the Olympic rings. Their symbolism transcends golf and has worldwide appeal. Plus, we only get to see them once every four years. Those factors combine to give it the top spot in these rankings.