Believe it or not, there are a few brands out there that sell illegal golf tees. These illegal golf tees are not approved by the USGA or R&A. Their design is considered non-conforming, thus making them illegal. One of the tees that has been controversial in terms of legality is the Flight Path golf tees. They are designed to help players reduce the slice in their shot, which is why many believe they are illegal.
So, I did some research to figure out whether or not they are conforming.
Are Flight Path Golf Tees Legal? According to the USGA and R&A, Flight Path golf tees are illegal to use in any casual, high-level amateur, or professional golf games and tournaments. In other words, Flight Path golf tees are considered non-conforming to the golf equipment rules.
For reference, the USGA and R&A are considered to be the governing bodies of the golfing world. Any rule or regulation that they put into place is considered law by all other golfing entities. So, practically all other golf organizations out there abide by their rules.
What Makes A Golf Tee Illegal?
Which rule do the Flight Path tees break? What makes them illegal? There are actually 4 different rules/standards that golf tees must abide by. Below is a quote from the USGA’s equipment rules on golf tees. They go as follows:
A tee is a device designed to raise the ball off the ground. A tee must not:
- Be longer than 4 inches (101.6 mm)
- Unduly influence the movement of the ball
- Assist the player in making a stroke or in his play
- Be designed or manufactured in such a way that it could indicate line of play
In this case, the Flight Path golf tees are illegal because they “unduly inffluence the movement of the golf ball”. Because these golf tees are designed to negate a player’s slice, it is considered illegal. A golf tee can not be used to help fix the flight path of the ball. It is because of this that Flight Path tees are not legal.