Golf Rule: Can You Practice Swing at a Tee?

Question
A person in my golf league places a tee in the ground without a ball and takes a practice swing using the tee prior to making his tee shot.  I'm pretty sure this is not allowed.  Is there a rule that prohibits this?

Answer
Sharon,

This practice of swinging at an object, in this case a tee, is perfectly legal. It's actually a good way to take a practice swing. I have always said, whenever you swing the club make sure that you're swinging at something.

When I teach I do not allow my students to take a practice swing on the driving range. When they swing they are swinging at a golf ball. That's what the game is about.

Michael