How to Choose the Right Tee Height for Your Driver
Table of Contents
1. Swing Style and Tee Height
The height you set your golf ball on the tee plays a major role in how you strike it – especially with the driver. It depends heavily on your swing path and your angle of attack:
| Swing Path | Angle of Attack | Recommended Tee Height (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| From inside | Positive (> +1°) | 40–50 mm |
| From inside | Flat (-1° to +1°) | 36–44 mm |
| From inside | Negative (< -1°) | 30–38 mm |
| Straight | Positive (> +1°) | 38–46 mm |
| Straight | Flat (-1° to +1°) | 32–40 mm |
| Straight | Negative (< -1°) | 26–34 mm |
| From outside | Positive (> +1°) | 34–42 mm |
| From outside | Flat (-1° to +1°) | 28–36 mm |
| From outside | Negative (< -1°) | 20–30 mm |
Quick Tip:
-
A flatter, inside-out swing with a positive attack angle benefits from a higher tee to maximize launch and carry.
-
A steeper, outside-in swing with a negative attack angle needs a lower tee for better control and solid contact.
2. Situational Adjustments to Tee Height
Even if you have a consistent swing, certain playing conditions can make it smart to adjust your tee height.
Here’s when you might want to tee it lower:
-
Under pressure (tight fairways or tournament rounds):
A lower tee (20–30 mm) helps produce a flatter, more stable ball flight. It minimizes side spin and keeps the ball safely in play – the classic "Fairway Finder" shot. -
In headwinds:
A lower launch reduces the ball's exposure to the wind. Teeing it lower keeps your drive more penetrating and adds rollout. -
When you prioritize control over distance:
Sometimes it's not about smashing it 300 yards – it’s about hitting the fairway. A lower tee height promotes cleaner, more consistent contact.
General rule:
-
Lower tee height (20–30 mm) = more control, flatter ball flight, fairway hits.
-
Higher tee height (40–50 mm) = maximum carry distance, higher launch.
