Teeing up
Teeing up is placing the ball on a small peg, the tee, at the start of a hole.
Teeing up is the only time in a round when you are allowed to place the ball on a raised support. It is permitted exclusively inside the tee box, the defined area between the two tee markers and two club-lengths behind them. The tee itself is a peg of wood or plastic, a few centimetres long, that you push into the ground. You set the height according to the club: with the driver the ball sits high, about half a ball above the crown of the club, with iron or hybrid only just above the grass. On all other holes after the first stroke teeing up is forbidden.
In practice it looks like this: first hole, par 4, you want to hit the drive long and straight. You push the tee into the ground just behind the front edge of the markers, set the ball on it and check the direction of flight. The slightly raised ball lets you strike it on the upswing — that is the physical point of teeing up, because the driver's optimal point of contact is with a slightly positive angle. After the shot you pick the tee up or leave it standing, but at least collect any broken pieces.
There are two typical misunderstandings. First: if the ball falls off the tee at address or during the swing, it does not count as a stroke — a stroke requires the intention to move the ball. You may simply tee it up again. Second, teeing up in front of the markers: if you play from outside the tee box, it costs you two penalty strokes in stroke play and you must repeat the stroke from the correct spot. Taking the boundaries of the tee box seriously is easier than explaining the penalty.
FAQ
How high should I tee up the ball?
It depends on the club. With the driver the ball sits high, roughly half a ball above the crown of the club, so that you catch it on the upswing. With an iron or hybrid it is enough to lift the ball just above the grass. The wrong tee height otherwise costs you carry or accuracy.
Where exactly am I allowed to tee up my ball?
Only inside the tee box: between the two tee markers and at most two club-lengths behind them. If you play from in front of the markers or outside this area, it costs you two penalty strokes in stroke play and you must repeat the stroke from the correct spot. Everywhere else on the hole, teeing up is forbidden anyway.
Does it count as a stroke if the ball falls off the tee?
No. If the ball falls off the tee at address or during the swing without you having intended to strike it, it does not count as a stroke. You may simply tee it up again and carry on, with no penalty at all. Under the rules a stroke always requires the intention to move the ball.