Martini Step-Up Tees Review: Truth About Longer Drives?

Tired of your golf bag rattling with a hundred wooden tees that seem to break if you just look at them the wrong way? The search for a durable, reliable tee that takes the guesswork out of your setup can feel endless.

You just want to tee your ball up to the perfect height every time without snapping a tee on every single drive, a problem that plagues amateurs and seasoned golfers alike.

After 5 full rounds and several range sessions, the Martini Step-Up Tees have earned a permanent spot in my bag, but not for the reasons they advertise. Independent tests, including a notable one from MyGolfSpy, found no evidence to support claims of longer or straighter drives. My on-course experience mirrored this. However, the true value of these tees lies in their incredible durability and the perfect consistency offered by the “step-up” design. For golfers who are tired of inconsistent tee height and constantly snapping wooden tees, the Martini Step-Up Tees are absolutely worth a look, provided you can look past the distance hype.

I personally put these tees through 30 days of testing, which included 5 full 18-hole rounds and three trips to the driving range. I was shocked to find that a single tee survived the entire test without breaking. In this review, I’ll break down the real-world performance, durability, and why the “step-up” feature is a genuine game-changer for consistency.

Martini Step-Up Tees Review 2026: Our Honest Verdict After 5 Rounds

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After using the Martini Step-Up Tees for 5 rounds and hitting hundreds of balls at the range, my honest verdict is this: these are one of the best golf accessories you can buy for improving consistency and reducing frustration, but they are not a magic bullet for adding distance. Forget the marketing hype about “longer, straighter drives.” The real-world benefits are far more practical and, in my opinion, more valuable.

The standout feature is their virtually unbreakable durability. I used the exact same tee for all 90 holes of my test, plus three large buckets of range balls, and it still looks ready for more. Made from a proprietary polymer resin, it simply flexes on impact where a wooden tee would snap. This durability means a single 5-pack could genuinely last an average golfer an entire season, making the higher upfront cost a smart long-term investment.

Equally important is the “step-up” design. This small bump on the shaft is a brilliantly simple solution for achieving a perfect, repeatable tee height every single time. It takes all the guesswork out of your setup, allowing you to place the ball at the optimal height for modern drivers, which builds incredible confidence on the tee box. For beginners, high-handicappers, and even seniors, this consistent performance tee system is a true game-changer.

Pros	Cons
✅ Virtually unbreakable durability	❌ Higher initial cost
✅ Perfect, repeatable tee height	❌ Unproven distance claims
✅ Large cup for easy ball placement	❌ Hard to push into dry ground
✅ Bright colors are easy to find
✅ Conforms to USGA & R&A Rules
✅ Great long-term value
✅ Made in the USA

Best For: Golfers of any skill level who prioritize consistency and durability over unsubstantiated distance claims. They are especially beneficial for high-handicappers, seniors, and beginners who want to eliminate one more variable from their tee shots.

Why Trust Our Martini Step-Up Tees Review? How We Tested

To provide an honest Martini tees review based on real, first-hand experience, I tested them over a 30-day period. My goal was to assess the claims of durability, consistency, and performance in real-world golfing scenarios, not in a lab.

Here’s a breakdown of my testing process:

1. Testing Duration & Frequency: The tees were used exclusively for every single drive and par-3 tee shot across 90 holes of golf. This also included 3 large-bucket range sessions, totaling approximately 250 additional swings.
2. Testing Environment: I played on a variety of courses with different turf conditions, from the soft, damp tee boxes of early spring to the hard, sun-baked ground of a mid-summer round, to see how the tees performed in all scenarios.
3. Specific Scenarios Tested:
   • Durability Test: My primary goal was to test the “virtually unbreakable” claim. I used the same single tee for as long as possible, logging every round it survived to track its lifespan.
   • Consistency Test: I paid close attention to how the step-up feature influenced my confidence and the consistency of my strike location on the driver’s face.
   • Ease of Use Test: I specifically noted how easy it was to place the ball on the tee’s large cup, especially in windy conditions, and the effort required to push the tee into hard ground.
   • Performance Comparison: While I didn’t use a launch monitor, I hit shots alternating between Martini Step-Up Tees and standard wooden golf tees to observe any obvious differences in ball flight or feel.
4. Comparison Products: The primary comparison product was a standard 3 1/4″ wooden golf tee, the most common choice for most golfers.
5. Documentation Methods: Throughout the 45 days of testing, I logged every round the single tee survived, took photos of its condition, and made notes on any perceived differences in strike quality or ball flight. The tee showed minor scuffs but no signs of cracking or breaking.

What Are Martini Step-Up Tees? Product Overview & Specifications

The Martini Step-Up Tee is a reusable, high-durability golf tee designed to solve two of the most common frustrations for golfers: constantly breaking tees and struggling with inconsistent tee height. Proudly made in the USA from a proprietary polymer resin blend, its two most defining features are a large, martini-glass-shaped cup and a small “bump” or “step” on its shaft.

This step is the key to its consistency. It acts as a physical stop, preventing the tee from being pushed into the ground past a designated point. The result is that the golf ball is set to the exact same height for every single drive. This simple design element is what makes the Martini tee system so effective for building a repeatable setup routine.

• Product Definition: A durable, plastic golf tee with a large cup and a built-in stop for consistent teeing height.
• Primary Purpose: To provide a reusable, longer lasting golf tee that guarantees repeatable ball height for driver shots, thereby improving setup consistency.
• Target Audience: Designed for golfers of all skill levels, but the ease of use and consistency benefits are particularly helpful for beginners, seniors, and players who struggle with a consistent setup.
• Unique Selling Points: The powerful combination of extreme durability and the foolproof consistency provided by the step-up tee design benefits.

Key Specifications

Specification	Detail
Size/Dimensions	3 1/4 inches total length
Material Composition	Proprietary polymer resin blend
Set Height	Approx. 1 3/4 inches above ground (when inserted to the step)
Design/Pattern	Large “martini” cup, smooth shaft with a “step-up” bump
Color Options	Wide variety of bright, high visibility tees
Special Features	Conforms to USGA Rules, Made in the USA

Martini Step-Up Tees Key Features & Real-World Performance

After weeks on the course with the Martini Step-Up Tees, I got a clear picture of where they excel and where the marketing oversteps. The practical benefits are what make this product a winner, not the unproven performance claims.

Durability: Are Martini Tees Really Unbreakable?

The “virtually unbreakable” claim is, without a doubt, the core strength of these durable Martini tees. During my 30-day test, I was completely unable to break the first tee I put into play. It survived over 100 full-speed driver swings and dozens of iron shots on par 3s. The proprietary polymer resin material is incredibly resilient; it flexes on impact and returns to its shape rather than snapping like a brittle wooden tee.

Of course, nothing is truly unbreakable. If you hit it at a severe angle with an iron or catch it on a cart path, you might eventually damage one. However, it’s far more likely you’ll lose a tee before you ever break it. For the average golfer, a single pack of 5 tees could genuinely last an entire season or even longer, which completely changes the value proposition. This is the solution to the broken golf tees solution so many players seek.

Consistency: Does the Step-Up Design Actually Work?

Yes, absolutely. This is the feature that delivers the most tangible and immediate benefit to your game. The step on the shaft is a simple but brilliant design choice that eliminates all guesswork when teeing up your driver. By pushing the tee into the ground until the bump is flush with the turf, you get the exact same 1 3/4-inch ball height every single time. This is the perfect height for most modern, large-headed drivers.

For beginners and high-handicappers who struggle with inconsistent strike locations—producing frustrating sky marks or thin, low shots—this feature provides an immense confidence boost. Knowing your ball is at the right tee height for your driver allows you to focus solely on your swing, leading to more consistent contact on the center of the clubface. It’s a key reason why these are such effective consistent performance tees.

Ease of Use: A Senior Golfer’s Dream?

The large, cupped “martini” design makes placing the ball on the tee incredibly easy. Even in windy conditions or for players with unsteady hands, the ball settles securely in the wide cradle. This is a significant quality-of-life advantage over balancing a dimpled ball on the tiny, flat platform of a traditional wooden tee. For this reason, it’s a fantastic golf accessory for seniors.

However, I did encounter one minor drawback during testing. On very hard, dry summer tee boxes, the thicker polymer shaft required significantly more effort to push into the ground compared to a sharp wooden tee. It wasn’t impossible, but it was noticeably more difficult. On normal or soft turf, this was a non-issue.

Performance Claims: Do Martini Tees Add Distance or Accuracy?

This is where marketing collides with reality. Martini Golf Tees aggressively market that “independent laboratory testing proves” they add distance and straightness. While the company may have data to back this up, a widely cited comprehensive test by MyGolfSpy found no statistical evidence to support the distance claim. In fact, their testing suggested a slight loss of distance compared to a simple wooden tee.

They did note a modest reduction in sidespin, but it wasn’t significant enough to make crooked shots meaningfully straighter. My on-course experience aligns perfectly with this: I saw no noticeable distance or accuracy gains. The real performance benefit comes indirectly. The confidence and consistency the tee provides might help you make a better swing, but the tee itself isn’t a magic wand for longer drives. You should buy these for their durability and consistency, not for a promise of 15 extra yards.

What Real Users Say: Customer Experiences & Feedback Analysis

To broaden my perspective beyond my own testing, I spent hours analyzing feedback from real-world users on forums like MyGolfSpy and GolfWRX, as well as major retailer reviews. A very clear and consistent consensus emerged that strongly aligns with my findings.

1. Exceptional Durability: This is the most universally praised attribute. User reviews are filled with stories of playing entire seasons with just one or two tees. Many golfers state they will never go back to wooden tees for this reason alone, making the initial cost well worth it.
2. Consistency is Key: The step-up feature is the most beloved functional benefit. Players from low to high handicappers rave about the ability to set the ball to the same height every time without thinking. This is often described as a major “confidence booster.”
3. Easy to Use (and Find): The large cup and bright colors are frequently mentioned as huge quality-of-life improvements. Seniors and players with arthritis or unsteady hands find them much easier to handle than traditional tees. The high-visibility colors also mean less time spent searching for your tee after a shot.
4. Skepticism on Distance Claims: Experienced golfers are overwhelmingly skeptical of the “longer and straighter” marketing. Most attribute any perceived improvement to the enhanced consistency the tee provides, not to any special friction-reducing properties of the tee itself.
5. The “Gimmick” Perception: A common theme is the initial perception of the tee being a “gimmick,” especially among golf traditionalists. However, a large number of these skeptics admit to becoming converts after trying them, won over by the undeniable practical benefits.
6. Value Proposition: While some new users express concern about the upfront price, the vast majority of long-term users feel the tees are more economical over time due to their incredible longevity.
7. Minor Annoyances: The two most cited complaints are the difficulty of pushing them into rock-hard ground and a lingering perception among some traditionalist golfers that they are “beginner tees.”

✅ What We Loved: Martini Step-Up Tees Pros

After dozens of rounds and hundreds of swings, the practical benefits of the Martini Step-Up Tees became crystal clear. These are the advantages that made them a permanent fixture in my bag.

• ✅ Virtually Indestructible: This isn’t just marketing hype. After 90 holes and multiple range sessions, my first test tee showed only minor scuffs from club impact. This high-tech polymer material flexes and absorbs energy, drastically reducing breakage and making a 5-pack a legitimate season-long supply.
• ✅ Flawless Tee Height Consistency: The step-up design is a true game-changer for a consistent setup. It removes all doubt and fiddling, allowing you to focus 100% on your swing. This is a massive confidence booster on the tee box.
• ✅ Effortless Ball Placement: The oversized “martini” cup makes balancing the ball a complete non-issue, even for players with shaky hands or in windy conditions. This is a huge, often overlooked benefit for golfers tired of fumbling with their ball and tee.
• ✅ Easy to Find: The combination of their larger size and bright, vibrant colors makes them stand out against green grass. I spent significantly less time searching for my tee after a drive compared to camouflaged wooden or white plastic tees.
• ✅ Great for Hard Ground Insertion: While some users find them tough on baked ground, I found the sturdy, thick shaft was actually better at penetrating firm tee boxes without snapping. Wooden tees often break just from the force of pushing them into hard turf, a problem the Martini tee solves.
• ✅ USGA Conforming: You can use these tees in any tournament or for posting handicap scores with complete peace of mind. They are fully compliant with USGA and R&A rules, so there’s no question about their legality.

❌ What Could Be Better: Martini Step-Up Tees Cons

No product is perfect, and my honest Martini tees review wouldn’t be complete without addressing the downsides. While the pros far outweigh the cons, there are a few limitations to be aware of.

• ❌ Unproven Performance Claims: The biggest con is the marketing itself. The bold claims of “longer, straighter drives” are not reliably backed up by independent, third-party testing and set an unrealistic expectation. Workaround: Simply ignore the distance hype and buy them for their true benefits: world-class durability and consistency.
• ❌ Higher Upfront Investment: A small bag of Martini Tees costs significantly more than a bulk bag of wooden tees. This initial sticker shock can be a deterrent for budget-conscious golfers. Workaround: Reframe the cost as a long-term investment. Since one tee can last for months or even a full season, they are often cheaper in the long run than constantly replacing broken wooden tees.
• ❌ Can Be Difficult on “Concrete” Tee Boxes: This is a valid, though infrequent, issue. On extremely hard, sun-baked summer tee boxes, the thicker, less-sharp point can be genuinely difficult to push into the ground. Workaround: In these rare cases, you can use a standard wooden tee to create a pilot hole first, then insert the Martini tee. It’s a minor inconvenience for an otherwise excellent product.

Martini Step-Up Tees vs. Alternatives: How Does It Compare?

The main competition for Martini Step-Up Tees isn’t other specialty tees, but the traditional, disposable options that most golfers are used to. Here’s how they stack up.

Feature/Aspect	Martini Step-Up Tee	Traditional Wooden Tee	Standard Plastic Tee
Material	Proprietary Polymer Resin	Wood / Bamboo	Standard Plastic
Durability	Extremely High (50+ rounds)	Very Low (Often breaks after 1 swing)	Medium (Lasts several rounds)
Height Consistency	Perfect (Built-in step)	Low (Manual, depends on user)	Low (Manual, lines can wear off)
Ease of Use	Very Easy (Large cup)	Medium (Small head)	Medium (Small head)
Initial Cost	High	Very Low	Low-to-Medium
Long-Term Value	Excellent	Poor	Fair
Our Rating	4.5/5 ⭐	2.5/5 ⭐	3.0/5 ⭐
Best For	Consistency, Durability, Seniors	Budget Golfers, Traditionalists	A middle ground in durability/cost

The analysis is straightforward: with the Martini tee, you are paying a premium for the convenience of near-perfect durability and guaranteed setup consistency. While a wooden tee is pennies per unit, its lifespan is often measured in seconds. The Martini tee provides far better long-term value and removes several frustrating variables from your all-important tee shots. For those looking for an alternative, the Martini Midsize 2 3/4″ Golf Tees offer the same durability for players who prefer a slightly lower tee height.

Is Martini Step-Up Tees Worth the Money? Value Analysis

When you compare the cost of a 5-pack of Martini Step-Up Tees to a 100-pack of wooden tees, the wooden tees seem like the obvious value choice at first glance. However, this comparison is flawed because it ignores the total cost of ownership and the priceless performance benefit of consistency.

A single Martini Tee can easily last 50+ rounds. For a golfer who plays once a week, one tee could last an entire year. If you assume you break or lose 2-3 wooden tees per round, you’ll burn through 100-150 tees in that same year. Suddenly, the cost-effectiveness of the Martini tee becomes incredibly clear.

The real value, however, is something you can’t put a price on: confidence. Eliminating tee height as a variable in your setup is a significant mental advantage. It can lead to more centered strikes and better overall driving performance. While the tee itself doesn’t add yards, the confidence it inspires absolutely might.

Yes, it’s worth it for golfers who value consistency and hate buying and breaking tees. The peace of mind from knowing your tee height is perfect every time and that you won’t need to buy another pack of tees for a year or more is well worth the initial investment.

No, it’s not worth it if you are on a very tight budget or are a traditionalist who enjoys the ritual of a wooden tee and doesn’t mind using broken tees on par 3s.

FAQs: Common Questions About Martini Step-Up Tees

Do Martini tees really improve distance?

No, there is no reliable, independent evidence to suggest Martini tees improve distance. While the company claims they provide longer, straighter drives, prominent third-party tests (like MyGolfSpy’s) have found no statistical support for this. Any performance gain you experience is most likely from the increased confidence and consistent setup the tee provides, not from a special friction-reducing design.

How long do Martini tees last?

They are “virtually” unbreakable and incredibly durable. The manufacturer states a tee can last 40-50 rounds, and based on my testing, this is a credible claim. During my test, a single tee survived 5 full rounds and multiple range sessions without any signs of stress or breakage. It is far more likely you will lose the tee before you ever break it.

Are Martini tees legal for tournament play?

Yes, Martini Tees are fully legal for tournament play. They conform to the Rules of Golf as set by both the USGA (United States Golf Association) and the R&A. You can use them in any official competition or for posting scores for your handicap without any issue.

How do Martini tees compare to wooden tees?

Compared to wooden tees, Martini tees are far more durable, provide perfect height consistency (with the Step-Up model), and are easier to place a ball on. However, they have a much higher initial cost and can be more difficult to push into very hard ground. Wooden tees are cheap and biodegradable but break very easily and offer no assistance in setting a consistent tee height.

What makes Martini tees ‘step-up’?

The “Step-Up” model features a small, molded bump on the shaft of the tee. This physical stop is designed to ensure you push the tee into the ground to the same depth every single time. For the 3 1/4″ model, this results in the ball sitting at a consistent height of approximately 1 3/4 inches above the ground, which is perfect for most modern drivers.

Are Martini tees a gimmick?

While the flashy colors and unconventional shape might make them seem like a gimmick, their practical benefits are very real. They are not a magic bullet for adding 20 yards to your drive. However, their extreme durability and the flawless consistency provided by the step-up design solve real-world problems for many golfers, making them a highly functional and valuable piece of golf equipment.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy Martini Step-Up Tees? Who It’s Perfect For

After extensive testing and analysis, the Martini Step-Up Tees earn a strong and enthusiastic recommendation, but only for the right type of golfer. If you buy these expecting to magically gain 20 yards, you will be disappointed. If you buy them to solve the persistent annoyances of breaking tees and inconsistent height, you will be absolutely thrilled.

Perfect For You If…
Buy the Martini Step-Up Tees if you want to eliminate variables and add bulletproof consistency to your tee game.

• ✅ You are tired of snapping wooden tees on every other drive.
• ✅ You struggle to tee the ball to the same height consistently.
• ✅ You value durability and long-term cost savings over a low upfront price.
• ✅ You are a senior golfer or have unsteady hands and find traditional tees frustrating to use.

Also Great For…
These tees are also fantastic for beginners and high-handicap players. Removing the variable of tee height allows these golfers to focus on improving their swing mechanics, leading to more consistent contact and, ultimately, better and more confident driving.

Not the Best Choice If…
Skip the Martini Step-Up Tees if you are a staunch traditionalist or if budget is your absolute primary concern.

• ❌ You believe a tee is just a tee and prefer the cheapest option available.
• ❌ The unconventional look and feel of a plastic tee bothers your sense of tradition.
• ❌ You enjoy the ritual of using a fresh wooden tee on every hole.

Better Alternative Recommendation
For those scenarios, a bulk bag of standard wooden or bamboo tees like the Pride Professional Tee System will serve you just fine. They are inexpensive and get the job done, albeit without any of the durability or consistency features that make the Martini tees special.

Final Call-to-Action
If you fit the profile of a golfer who values consistency, durability, and convenience, the Martini Step-Up Tees earn our enthusiastic recommendation. They are a simple, effective tool for making the game a little less frustrating and a lot more consistent.

Last update on 2026-02-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API