# Optimal Tee Height for Max Distance

> Tee height boosts driving distance by 12 yards per drive.
- Title: Optimal Tee Height for Max Distance · Golf | Shortify
- Summary: Tee height boosts driving distance by 12 yards per drive. High tee height increases carry distance by 12 yards over low tee height for maximum driving…
- Keywords: tee height, golf, driver distance, carry distance, launch angle, spin, clubhead speed, ball speed, sports, Optimal, Tee, Height
- Source: Golf — https://golf.com/instruction/driving/optimal-tee-height-maximizing-driver-distance-timeless-tips
- Published: 2026-10-14T15:44:06+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: tee height, golf, driver distance, carry distance, launch angle, spin, clubhead speed, ball speed, sports
## Optimal Tee Height for Max Distance
Golfers can gain yards off the tee by adjusting ball height for maximum driving distance.
## 2006 Experiment Finds Best Height
GOLF Magazine tested 27 golfers across three handicap levels to find optimal tee height for driver distance.
## Tee Height Definitions
Low: ball below driver crown; mid: half ball above crown; high: ball above clubface.
## Experiment Setup
Players hit 10 drives at each height with best five drives recorded per height to ensure accuracy.
## Results by Handicap
High tee height gave 12 extra yards per drive over low tee height for all handicap levels.
## High Handicap Benefits Most
High-handicappers gained 18 yards per drive with high tee height versus low tee height.
## Accuracy Remains High
High tee height maintained 61.5% fairway accuracy versus 58.5% for low tee height.
## 9 Players Plan Change
Nine out of 27 golfers planned to switch from mid to high tee height after experiment.
## Key takeaway

High tee height increases carry distance by 12 yards over low tee height for maximum driving distance.