Maya Ellison
Plastic golf tees are harmful to the environment as they take decades to break down and damage golf course equipment, especially mowers. EvolveGolf's Epoch Tee, made from recycled plastics, is a more sustainable alternative. It lasts an entire round and has been played over 300 million times without causing any damage to mowers or wildlife. EvolveGolf also plans to introduce Project TeeClaim, which will allow golf courses to send back discarded Epoch Tees to be recycled into new ones. While Epoch Tees are a step towards sustainability, some clubs have banned plastic tees altogether, opting for bamboo or wooden alternatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic golf tee alternative | Bamboo golf tee |
| Plastic golf tee alternative | Wood golf tee |
| Plastic golf tee alternative | Recycled cardboard or paper golf tee |
| Plastic golf tee alternative | Biodegradable golf tee made from peat moss, fertilizer, grass seed, water, flour, and applesauce |
| Plastic golf tee alternative | Epoch Tee by Evolve Golf made from recycled plastic |
| Plastic golf tee alternative | Wedge Golf Tees by Naiteev made from recycled plastic |
| Disadvantages of plastic golf tees | Cause damage to golf course management equipment, especially mowers |
| Disadvantages of plastic golf tees | Easily scattered |
| Disadvantages of plastic golf tees | Attractive to wildlife due to bright colours |
| Disadvantages of plastic golf tees | Expensive |
| Disadvantages of plastic golf tees | Bend and become difficult to get into the ground |
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What You'll Learn
Golf clubs banning plastic tees
In Great Britain, 25 golf courses collaborated to adopt more sustainable practices, including the use of OceanTee brand tees made from 100% bamboo. This initiative included the prestigious Prince's Club, which has prioritised sustainability in the redesign of its course. Similarly, in German-speaking countries, while there are no regulations, the Swiss Golf Sustainability Commission recommends golfers use plastic-free tees.
EvolveGolf in the USA has gained recognition for its Epoch Tee, a tee made from recycled plastic that lasts an entire round. More than 1,000 golf facilities have switched to the Epoch, and the company estimates that one Epoch tee is equivalent to using 18 wooden tees. EvolveGolf also offers Project Good Woods, a line of bamboo and hardwood tees, with a portion of sales going towards reforestation projects.
The benefits of plastic tees are also being considered, with some golfers expressing a preference for plastic due to the tendency of wooden tees to break. However, the movement towards more sustainable practices in golf is gaining momentum, with clubs and companies working to reduce their environmental impact and encourage the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives to plastic tees.
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Brands using recycled plastic
While plastic tees are convenient, they are not environmentally friendly. As a result, many golf clubs and courses have banned their use, with some opting for wooden or bamboo tees instead. However, these alternatives are not always practical as they break easily, leading to higher consumption per golfer.
Evolve Golf, a company based in the USA, has emerged as a leader in sustainable product design in the golf industry. Their flagship product, the Epoch Tee, is made from recycled plastic and lasts the entire round, reducing the need for multiple tees. The Epoch Tee has gained popularity, with over 1,000 golf facilities adopting its use and more than 300 million Epoch tees played without any reports of damage to mowers or harm to wildlife. Evolve Golf also plans to introduce Project TeeClaim, a program for golf courses to recycle used Epoch tees into new ones.
Another brand contributing to sustainability in golf is Naiteev, an Australian company that offers recycled plastic golf tees. Their product has received positive reviews from golfers, who appreciate its durability and environmental benefits.
In addition to these brands, there are other environmentally-friendly options available, such as biodegradable golf tees invented by Casey Golden, a 13-year-old boy from Colorado. These tees are made from peat moss, fertilizer, grass seed, water, flour, and applesauce, degrading in less than two days when left on the golf course.
The movement towards sustainable practices in golf is gaining momentum, with golf courses and brands working together to reduce their environmental impact. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, the efforts of companies like Evolve Golf and Naiteev are making a significant difference in the industry.
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Environmental impact of plastic golf tees
The use of plastic golf tees has come under scrutiny in recent years, with many golf courses and governing bodies opting for more sustainable alternatives. Plastic tees can have a detrimental and long-lasting impact on the environment and wildlife, as they can take hundreds of years to decompose.
With millions of rounds of golf played each year, the number of plastic tees used contributes significantly to plastic waste. The golf industry estimates that around 5 million golf tees are used annually, and with golfers using an estimated 6-8 tees per round, this amounts to a large quantity of plastic waste.
The durability of plastic tees is also questioned, as they often need to be replaced during a round, further adding to the waste problem. Evolve Golf's CEO, Ben Maloy, claims that his company's plastic Epoch tees can last three or more rounds, but this is disputed by some golfers who suggest that plastic tees can break relatively quickly.
The environmental impact of plastic tees has led to a rise in popularity of alternative materials, such as bamboo, hardwood, and compostable tees. Bamboo, in particular, is praised for its sustainability, as it grows quickly and requires little water or pesticides. It is also more durable than plastic, reducing the need for constant replacement. Additionally, companies like Evolve Golf are creating golf tees from recycled plastics, with their Epoch tee claimed to be equivalent to the usage of 18 wood tees, reducing the amount of broken tee litter.
Golf courses that adopt these sustainable tee options not only reduce their environmental impact but also position themselves as leaders in sustainability, attracting environmentally conscious golfers. Initiatives such as the OceanTee brand, which uses bamboo instead of plastic in its production and packaging, and Evolve Golf's Project TeeClaim, which recycles used Epoch golf tees into new ones, are positive steps towards reducing the environmental impact of golf tees.
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Alternative materials for golf tees
Golf tees are available in a variety of materials, including wood, bamboo, plastic, and rubber. The classic golf tee is made of wood, which is usually affordable, easy to find, and biodegradable. However, wooden tees can break relatively quickly, leading to higher consumption per golfer and round. Bamboo tees are similar to wooden tees, but they are more durable and are becoming the material of choice for many golf manufacturers.
Some golfers prefer plastic tees as they hold up better with the driver due to the angle of attack of the club. Plastic tees are also useful for golf simulators, as they can be placed on top of a hitting mat and are available in a variety of heights. Recycled plastic tees are also available, such as the Epoch Tee by Evolve Golf, which is formulated from recycled plastics and can be recycled after use.
Rubber tees are incredibly durable and can be used round after round, making them a good option for driving ranges and golf courses. They are also useful for golf simulators, as they can be placed in a rubber tee receiver on a hitting mat.
In addition to these traditional materials, there are also some unique options available, such as the brush tee, where the ball sits on top of plastic fibers, and the "Martini Tee," where the ball sits in a small cup.
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The process of making plastic golf tees
Preparing the Raw Materials
The first step in making plastic golf tees is preparing the raw materials. Plastic pellets are used as the base material and are mixed with colourants and other strengthening ingredients. The colourants are added to modify the appearance of the tees, and the strengthening ingredients ensure the tees are durable.
Forming the Golf Tee Shape
In this stage, the raw materials are shaped into the familiar golf tee form. This is typically done through injection moulding, where the plastic pellets are loaded into a hopper, passed through a hydraulically controlled screw, and melted. The liquid plastic is then injected into a two-piece steel mould, which forms the tee shape. The mould is held under pressure until the plastic sets and cools, hardening into the desired shape.
It is worth noting that the mould is designed slightly larger than the final tee to account for the plastic shrinking as it cools. Once the plastic has hardened, the mould opens, and the tee is ejected onto a conveyor belt, ready for any necessary trimming of excess plastic.
Finishing and Packaging
After the primary tee shape is formed, the tees undergo additional processing steps, such as further cutting or shaping to meet specific design characteristics. They may also be printed or painted for decorative purposes. Finally, the tees are packaged, often in eco-friendly, recyclable materials, and shipped to warehouses for distribution.
Environmental Considerations
It is important to note that the environmental impact of plastic golf tees is a significant concern. Plastic tees can cause damage to golf course equipment, particularly mowers, as they take a long time to break down and are easily scattered. Additionally, their bright colours can attract wildlife, causing further issues. As a result, some companies are creating tees from recycled plastics or compostable materials, and some golf clubs are moving away from plastic tees altogether.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic golf tees are golf tees made from plastic and are most commonly found in the form of a castle tee. They are generally similar in shape and length to golf tees manufactured using alternative materials.
Plastic golf tees can cause damage to golf course equipment, especially mowers, as they do not biodegrade and take decades to break down. They are also easily scattered and their bright colours attract wildlife, such as birds, causing further damage to the environment.
Yes, there are several alternatives to plastic golf tees, including wooden tees, bamboo tees, and biodegradable tees made from materials like peat moss, fertilizer, grass seed, water, flour, and applesauce. Some companies, like Evolve Golf, offer eco-friendly alternatives made from recycled plastics, such as their Epoch Tee.
The exact amount of recycled plastic in a plastic golf tee may vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific product. However, companies like Evolve Golf have created golf tees made entirely from recycled plastics, such as their Epoch Tee.
Recycled plastic golf tees can be a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastic tees. By using recycled materials, these tees reduce the need for raw materials and contribute to a circular economy. Additionally, some recycled plastic tees, like the Epoch Tee, are designed to last longer and reduce the number of broken tee litter on golf courses.
