Patent attributes
This invention is a golf tee which folds in three sections articulated to each other. When folded, the tee is compact and its pointed tip is shielded. Compactness is achieved by notching the top of the tee or by offsetting the two articulations with respect to each other. The tee is extensible by a linear ratchet or by a screw, thereby allowing the player to adjust the height. The sections can be assembled at their articulation by a snap-on mechanism. The top section can be made springy by including a coil spring between the articulation and the head of the tee. A snap-lock mechanism allows the tee to remain securely locked in the deployed configuration and in the folded configuration. The folding structure of the tee provides directional information to the player, either pointing backward to indicate the best backswing direction or forward indicating the best follow-through direction.