[Kim Maengnyeong's Golf English Conversation] "Standard Tee Height for Amateur Golfers is 1.5 Inches"

The type of shot can be changed depending on the tee height.

'1.5 inches (38.1mm)'.

Amateur golfers often wonder about the ideal driver tee height for maximum distance. If the tee is too high, it can cause severe hooks or sky balls, while if it's too low, slices or fat shots may occur. According to a poll of the Top 100 golf instructors in the U.S., the most ideal driver tee height is about 1.5 inches.

This means that at address, the ball should be raised about half a ball above the driver clubhead, positioned around the middle of the crown. Professional players tend to tee lower than this because while distance is important, fairway accuracy takes priority. A slightly lower tee height makes it easier to produce a fade shot.

The driver is also typically hit with a slight downward blow (downblow) technique. If you want to increase distance, you can use a draw shot, which benefits from teeing the ball a bit higher. This improves the feel of impact, allowing for longer drives with a beautiful high ball flight.

Amateur golfers often find it difficult to adjust tee height according to shot shape. It is wiser to set a consistent tee height. Golfers who frequently hit sky balls should tee relatively lower to compensate for the point of contact. Those who tend to top the ball during their swing should tee slightly higher to make contact easier. For reference, the maximum tee length allowed by golf rules is 4 inches (101.6mm).

A: How high should I tee the golf ball?

B: When teeing up, half of the ball should be above the top of the clubface at address.

A: Would you check my tee height? Should I tee it higher or lower?

B: Tee it high, let it fly.

Written and photographed by Kim Maengnyeong, Golf Columnist