Pronunciation: [tˈiːz ˈɒf] (IPA) 
The phrase "tees off" is typically used in golf to describe the act of hitting a golf ball from a tee towards the hole on the green. The word "tees" is pronounced /tiːz/, with a long "e" sound and a "z" sound at the end. The addition of "off" creates a phrasal verb, meaning to start or begin. In phonetic transcription, "tees off" would be written as /tiːz ɒf/, with the "o" sound in "off" being pronounced as a short "ah" sound.
The term "tees off" is a golfing expression that typically refers to the action of hitting a golf ball off a tee at the start of a hole. The word "tees" here is a noun that signifies the designated area on a golf course where players place their ball before making their first shot on a hole, while "off" is an adverb indicating the direction and commencement of the stroke. When one "tees off," they position their ball on a tee placed in the ground, choosing the desired tee box according to their skill level, and subsequently strike the ball with a club to initiate play for a specific hole.
Furthermore, the phrase "tees off" can also be used more figuratively to describe the act of starting or commencing an event, typically in a forceful or energetic manner. This definition extends beyond just golf and can be applied to various contexts, such as sports, competitions, or even non-athletic scenarios. By extension, "tees off" can imply the initiation of any activity or action, often with a sense of drive, enthusiasm, or intensity. In this sense, the phrase carries connotations of excitement, eagerness, or determination to begin something.
The term "tees off" is derived from the sport of golf. In golf, the teeing ground is the area from where a golfer starts each hole by placing their ball on a small peg, known as a tee. The verb "tees off" is used to describe the action of a golfer striking the ball off the tee to start a hole. Over time, this phrase has come to be used metaphorically to mean starting or initiating something.
