Optimize Your 3-Wood Tee Height

Gary Gilchrist

Gary Gilchrist

Head Coach, Golf Digest Top 50 in America, Golf Magazine Top 100 in America

Use a shorter tee, pegged just above the tee box grass.

With this tee height, you can control trajectory by adjusting ball position. Place the ball slightly back of center for a lower flight into the wind. For a normal shot, position it slightly front of center and trust the club’s loft to lift the ball.

Tee height varies by club. With a driver, tee the ball high—about half above the clubface—to promote an upward strike for maximum distance. For a 3-wood, tee it lower to encourage a level or slightly descending strike for better control and a more penetrating flight.