Could a simple golf tee be the secret to practicing your best? While most players just use a golf tee for holding their ball up before a first shot, they might be surprised to know that using a tee in other ways can help improve their game.
Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of amazing golf training aids out there that can help make you better. But one of the simplest is already in your bag — so we’re sharing 10 ways that a golf tee can be used to do so.
We love explaining to students how versatile a golf tee can be. Once they understand how to use them properly for training, the player often incorporates some of the following into their regular practice routine. So take a look below to see how you can do the same — all thanks to the simplicity of a tee!
Improve Contact and Shot Result
A good way to improve contact and the result of your shot is by hitting the center of the clubface. Create a gate by placing two tees on both sides of the ball. Swing the club and attempt to pass the clubhead through the gate without hitting either tee.
Enhance Turf Interaction and Divot
To get the golf ball into the air, the club needs to hit the ground and make a proper divot. Practice with instant feedback by placing your ball on a low tee and sticking two tees in the ground on the target side of the ball. Ensure that your clubhead hits both the ball tee and the forward tees.
Cure Topping and Thinning Shots
If you frequently top or thin your shots, place your ball on the ground and lay a tee on its side on the target side of the ball. Hit the ground and scrape the tee off of the ground to make it fly into the air. This drill helps you train yourself not to be uncomfortable hitting the ground.
Break the Tee with Iron Shots
When using a tee with any club but your driver, break the tee by hitting the lofted part of the clubface. Breaking the tee indicates good contact and sufficient swing speed.
Maintain the Tee with Driver Shots
When swinging your driver, make sure not to break the tee. Breaking the tee with a driver is a sign of a steep downswing, which can result in a distance-robbing pop-up. Set up properly, with the ball position forward and your shoulders tilted, to produce a path that causes the ball to ascend correctly.
Improve Swing Path
Use golf tees to help improve your swing path. Place tees where you don’t want the clubhead to go and avoid making contact with them. For over-the-top swings, place one tee on the back side of the ball toward the outside and one tee on the target side of the ball toward the inside. Use an alignment stick to consistently keep your aim. The setup is opposite for pushes and hooks.
Enhance Bunker Shot Technique
Hitting out of a greenside bunker requires splashing the sand to get the desired height and contact. Bury a tee directly underneath your ball and practice taking enough sand to move the tee, which will help improve your bunker shot motion.
Develop Hand Grip Control
Place your hands on the club and slip the small end of the tee between your fingers and the grip of the club. Keep the tee in place to develop a secure but not tight hand grip. This will allow you to have more control over the direction of your ball.
Correct Topping the Ball
If you struggle with topping the ball, try placing the ball on a low tee and breaking it. This provides instant feedback and reminds you to get the club down to the ground and hit the center of the face.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Are golf tees only used for holding up the ball?
No, golf tees can be used in various ways to improve your training and game.
Can using a tee help with bunker shots?
Yes, by burying a tee in the sand and practicing taking enough sand to move the tee, you can develop the right motion for bunker shots.
How can a tee help improve swing path?
Placing tees where you don’t want the clubhead to go and avoiding contact with them can help you improve your swing path and consistency.
Is breaking the tee with iron shots a good sign?
Yes, breaking the tee with iron shots indicates good contact and sufficient swing speed.
Leave a Reply