“Talk about humble beginnings… a pile of wet sand.”
The development of the golf tee is the last significant
change in the rules of golf. The simple little wooden
tee may be golf’s most innovative invention. It has
affected golf courses, their length and design. It has
affected the creation of the new technology used in the
development of drivers, irons, shafts and golf balls. It
has made playing golf easier and more enjoyable. It has
provided the awe of long drives for professionals and
amateurs alike . The ruling authorities, the USGA and
the R&A, did not define the golf tee in its rules
until 2004. There are numerous mentions and chapters in
golf books on the subject of golf tees, but, at best
there is very little information about the history of
the golf tee. It appears this category of golfing
history has been left unattended and underappreciated,
probably viewed as lacking sufficient information,
interest or importance. It may be they were viewed as
being “illegal”. The actions of the USGA over the past
fifteen years concerning the development of the oversize
high-technology drivers have increased the need and
understanding of the use of these artificial golf tees.
During the past century, the simple golf tee has not
gone unnoticed by golf tee inventors who have created
over 400 golf tee designs. Over 300 individuals have
thought enough of their inventions that they have spent
the money to patent their golf tee. Based on all the
prior rules of golf, by definition, they are artificial
to the rules of golf. As such, the majority of the
designs should have been illegal if used in competition
prior to 2004. GOLF TEES TEEOGRAPHY covers the history
and evolution of the golf tee and design of golf tees
since the first written Rules of Golf in 1744. Featured
Chapters include: Robert Trent Jones, Jr, - Excerpts
from "Tee it down", presented to the American Society of
Golf Course Architects; Richard Crose of South Africa,
inventor of the Brush-T and its international marketing;
and Joan Lowell Smith, granddaughter of William Lowell,
Sr and Lowell family historian.
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