Where Did The Word ‘Tee’ Come From?
| Updated: 10 Feb 2026
What is the origin of the word 'tee', as used in golf and rugby?
Mystery Hour Question
Where does the word ‘tee’ come from?
Clive, Orpington
Answer
Name: Phil
Qualification: Has played golf for 50 years and is Scottish.
Answer: It comes from a Scottish Gaelic word ‘Taigh’, which means house. When golf was first played the ball was placed within a club’s length of the ball you’ve just played, and that distance was known as the house.