A high tee in golf refers to the practice of placing the golf ball on a tee so that the centre of the ball is positioned higher than the top of the crown of the clubface when the club is resting behind it.
Understanding the High Tee
When you tee up a golf ball, the height at which it sits relative to the clubface significantly impacts the shot. A "high tee" specifically describes a setup where the ball is elevated considerably, typically used for tee shots, most often with a driver. The reference clearly defines this height:
- Definition: A ball is positioned high on a tee when its centre is higher than the top of the crown of the clubface.
This positioning allows the golfer to potentially make contact with the ball on the upswing, which is a common technique for maximizing distance and optimizing trajectory with a driver.
Benefits of Using a High Tee
According to the provided reference, using a high tee can offer several advantages for golfers:
- May help you hit the ball with more consistency and accuracy.
- Reduces sidespin to increase your chance of hitting straighter shots.
- Creates more loft (resulting in a higher ball flight).
These benefits make the high tee setup popular, especially among professional golfers (Pros), as it aids in producing powerful yet controllable drives off the tee.
High Tee vs. Standard Tee Height
While the high tee is defined by the ball's centre being above the club's crown, a standard tee height usually places the ball slightly lower, often with half or most of the ball above the top line of the clubface, but typically with the centre around or below the crown.
| Tee Height | Ball Position Relative to Club Crown | Potential Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| High Tee | Centre of ball is higher than the top of the crown | Consistency, Accuracy, Reduced Sidespin, Higher Loft |
| Standard | Centre of ball is typically at or below the crown | Often used for consistent contact without excessive spin |
Choosing the appropriate tee height depends on the specific club being used (though high tees are primarily for drivers), the desired shot shape, and the golfer's swing mechanics.
In essence, a high tee is a deliberate setup designed to optimize contact and ball flight characteristics, particularly for powerful drives aiming for accuracy and distance with reduced slice or hook.
