Impact resistant golf tee

A golf tee comprising a tubular member composed of a resilient polymeric material, the tubular member having upper and lower ends, a side wall having an annular cross-section extending from the upper end toward the lower end, a circular opening at the upper end, the opening having a diameter in the range from about 0.3 cm to 2 cm, whereby a golf ball can be supported by the tubular member at said upper end, an opening at the lower end for receiving an earth-penetrating element for anchoring the tubular member, and a plurality of slits formed in the side wall of the tubular member, the slits extending from the upper end toward the lower end, and terminating at an intermediate location between the upper and lower ends, the tube having sufficient rigidity to support a golf ball without substantial deformation, but being sufficiently flexible that the slits can open temporarily as a result of impact imparted to the tubular member when a golf ball supported thereon is struck by a golf club.