Golf is a game of small margins and even the tiniest golf accessory can make a big difference in how a player performs. Golf tees are perhaps the smallest as well as the most overlooked piece of golf gear but they play an important role when it comes to the distance and accuracy of a golf swing.
Golf tees look relatively straight forward by design and in the past there haven’t been too many alternatives for consumers to choose from, but in today’s golf world golf tees have started to come under more scrutiny.
Keep reading to find out more about which golf tees are designed to improve performance levels among players of all abilities.
Table of Contents
Global market value of golf equipment
Features to consider in golf tees
Top golf tees to improve performances
Conclusion
Global market value of golf equipment
Golf is a sport that’s enjoyed around the world by people of all ages. It’s played by both consumers looking to play more competitively as well as those who are looking to stay physically fit by participating in a lower impact sport. With more consumers spending time outdoors and taking an interest in their overall health, golf is expected to grow in popularity in the coming years which is why there has also been a rise in the market value of golf equipment.
By 2023 the global market value of golf equipment reached almost USD 8 billion. Between 2023 and 2028 there is a tremendous growth expected at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4%, bringing the total projected value to USD 9.7 billion. Modern versions of golf equipment as well as the accessibility of products through e-commerce platforms is helping to drive this surge in market value, as is an increase in women taking up the sport.
Features to consider in golf tees
It may be small but the golf tee is an essential golf accessory during tee off that can make or break the golfer’s opening shot. It’s a fairly straightforward design but there are several important features that consumers will look at before they purchase their set of golf tees. Features such as the material used, the height of the golf tee, and the design of the top of the tee can all have a big impact on the placement and the spin of the ball when it’s hit.
All golfers will have different swings and playing styles so it’s important that consumers are able to try out the tees before committing to them so they can clearly see how it will impact their game. All golf tees should promote consistency in the shots and be durable enough to be used multiple times without splintering.
Top golf tees to improve performances
As the popularity of golf continues to grow, more types of golf tees are entering the market that cater to specific styles of play and that can be more accurately matched to the individual. Traditionally, golf tees are made of wood and though these are still a very popular choice among consumers there are plenty of other types of golf tees now available with a variety of features that aren’t found in plain wooden tees.
According to Google Ads, “golf tees” has an average monthly search volume of 60500, with the most searches coming between July through to September at 90500. Searches for “golf tees” increased between March and September 2023 by 55% showing a positive outlook over this 6 month period.
When looking at the specific types of golf tees that consumers are buying there are several that really stand out. First on this list is “plastic golf tees” with 3600 average monthly searches. This is followed by “wooden golf tees” at 2400 searches, “rubber golf tees” at 1900 searches, “brush golf tees” at 720 searches, “zero friction golf tees” at 480 searches, and finally “adjustable golf tees” at 320 searches. Keep reading to learn more about each of these golf tees in more detail.
Plastic golf tees
Plastic golf tees are a very popular type among consumers who are looking for a durable and consistent tee that will help golfers maintain a regular swinging pattern. These tees are often made with bright colors to make them stand out and it’s very common to find eco-friendly golf tees that are made from recycled plastic used by consumers. Users also benefit from the resistance to moisture that the plastic golf tees have so that they can be used in different weather conditions.
Google Ads shows that over a 6 month period, between March and September 2023, there was a 46% increase in searches for “plastic golf tees”, with 2400 and 5400 searches respectively. The most searches come between July and September.
Wooden golf tees
Wooden golf tees are the most traditional types of tees and are made of a natural wood material, such as bamboo or a hardwood, and are readily available for consumers to purchase. They vary in length to accommodate the different types of clubs golfers will be using and offer a simple design that many golfers still prefer over modern alternatives. Wooden golf tees are biodegradable and reusable but it’s important to note that they are more likely to break or splinter than plastic tees so the durability may be a concern for some consumers. They do provide a natural feel that isn’t found in other types of golf tees though.
Google Ads shows that over a 6 month period, between March and September 2023, there was a 34% increase in searches for “wooden golf tees”, with 1900 and 2900 searches respectively. The most searches came in August at approximately 3600 searches.
Rubber golf tees
One of the top golf tees to improve performances is the rubber golf tee. It takes on a less traditional shape than plastic or wooden golf tees but the rubber material makes it more flexible and durable so it’s less likely to break apart or deteriorate over time. The rubber material also helps to absorb the impact from the golf club and offers a consistent height to help golfers maintain the same ball placement every time. Rubber golf tees are often used on the driving range but their popularity is starting to grow on the course as well.
Google Ads shows that over a 6 month period, between March and September 2023, there was a 0% increase in searches for “rubber golf tees”, with both months showing 1900 searches. Rubber golf tees are most searched for in February, July, and August at 2400 searches.
Brush golf tees
Unlike traditional golf tees, brush golf tees have a bristle top that helps to support the golf ball and at the same time reduces friction by creating less space between the ball and tee, enabling golfers to potentially hit the ball further distances. In some instances brush golf tees will have marks on them to help the golfers position the ball in the exact spot every time. Brush golf tees are also popular among consumers since they can be used with all types of golf clubs as well as for practice and game play.
Google Ads shows that over a 6 month period, between March and September 2023, there was a 56% increase in searches for “brush golf tees”, with 390 and 880 searches respectively. The most searches came in August at approximately 1000 searches.
Zero friction golf tees
For consumers who want to hit longer distances it’s important to minimize the friction as much as possible. Zero friction golf tees are a good alternative to traditional tees as they have a three-pronged design that helps to support the golf ball with minimal contact between the ball and tee. They come in a variety of lengths in order to better adapt to what the individual golfer requires and are usually vibrant in terms of their color.
Google Ads shows that over a 6 month period, between March and September 2023, there was a 46% increase in searches for “zero friction golf tees”, with 320 and 590 searches respectively.
Adjustable golf tees
Adjustable golf tees offer golfers the flexibility to adjust the height of the tee depending on what type of club is being used. This enables golfers to maintain more of a consistent hitting style and is also cost-effective since they won’t need to purchase a wide variety of tees to carry in their bag. Adjustable golf tees are designed to withstand repeatedly being hit so they’re a good all around golf tee to have on hand.
Google Ads shows that over a 6 month period, between March and September 2023, there was a 19% decline in searches for “adjustable golf tees”, with 260 and 320 searches respectively. They were most searched for in April at 480 searches.
Conclusion
Individual golfers will have certain preferences when it comes to which golf tees they prefer to use for practicing as well as playing matches. Some may prefer the more traditional wooden golf tee but others are content at using tees made of other materials such as plastic and rubber as well as ones that are designed in a more unique shape to aid the distance of their shots. Golf tees are some of the most versatile pieces of golf equipment to own, and although they’re small in size they will have a big impact on a player’s game.
