The distinct blend of sport and whimsy arrived on the pinball scene in May 1993 with Premier Technology's "Tee'd Off." This solid-state electronic (SS) machine, operating on the Gottlieb System 3 MPU, brought the greens to the arcade, offering a unique take on golf. Its release marked a period when D. Gottlieb & Co., under the Premier Technology banner, continued to innovate with dot matrix display (DMD) technology and interactive playfield elements.

The conceptualization of "Tee'd Off" began with a clear vision: to create an engaging pinball experience centered around the sport of golf, but infused with a humorous, almost mischievous, character. The design responsibilities were shared by Jon Norris and Ray Tanzer, a collaborative effort that shaped the playfield's flow and mechanical interactions. The visual identity of "Tee'd Off" was crafted by artists Constantino Mitchell, David Moore, and Jeanine Mitchell, who rendered the game's vibrant, cartoon-like aesthetic. The auditory landscape, crucial for theme integration, was meticulously developed by Dave Zabriskie for music and Craig Beierwaltes for sound, while Rand Paulin handled the software and animation, bringing the game's primary character to life on the DMD and through physical interaction. With a production run of 3,500 units, "Tee'd Off" entered the market with the marketing slogan "Guys Gals and Gophers Alike Love to Par-Tee on Tee'd Off in BOTH Street AND Arcade Locations," signaling its intent to appeal broadly to both casual players and dedicated enthusiasts. This machine, model number 736, represents a notable entry in Gottlieb's System 3 lineage.

Signature Features and Design

"Tee'd Off" distinguishes itself with several standout features that enhance its golf theme and provide a captivating experience. Central to its charm is the animated gopher topper, a motorized character positioned atop the backbox. This gopher actively participates in the game, shrugging its shoulders in sync with its voice callouts during gameplay and even during attract mode, adding a layer of personality and humor that players quickly associate with the machine. This physical, interactive element elevates the gopher from a mere mascot to an integral part of the game's identity.

Another defining feature is the Gopher Wheel, a roulette-style mechanism situated in the lower playfield. This wheel is engaged by successfully spelling "GOPHER" through specific shots, spinning to award various bonuses or initiate the "Go-Fore-Par-Tee" multiball. This element introduces an element of chance and excitement, tying into the game's lighthearted approach to the golf theme. The "Skins Game" mode, accessed via the Volcano shot, further exemplifies the machine's unique design. Players are given the option to take an immediate 10 million points or gamble for a "double or nothing" scenario, requiring a specific shot within a time limit. This high-stakes mechanic injects a thrilling risk-reward dynamic into the gameplay.

The "Hole-in-One" skill shot is a highlight from the initial plunge. Successfully directing the ball into the designated hole from the plunger adds immediate satisfaction and sets an engaging tone from the game's very beginning. These features collectively contribute to the machine's distinctive character, blending physical toys, gambling elements, and thematic integration to create a memorable pinball experience.

Playfield and Mechanics

The playfield of "Tee'd Off" is designed for a balance of flow and shot variety, inviting players into its golf-themed world. It features three flippers: two standard "Catch All" flippers at the bottom and a strategically placed top flipper. This upper flipper is crucial for angling shots towards the Volcano, a vertical up-kicker, or the ramp leading to the Mean Hole, and can even trap balls for precise shot setups.

The layout incorporates a single pop bumper, three slingshots, and two vertical upkickers that propel the ball into different areas of the playfield. Key targets include two bullseye targets and a bank of four drop targets, which, when hit, contribute to the end-of-ball bonus and can enable other features. A captive ball in the top right, accompanied by a spinner, also adds to the bonus potential and can increase jackpot values during multiball.

Major shots include the Mean Hole, a saucer that serves multiple purposes: it can award a Mystery, light for a Hole-in-One, or initiate the "Anything Goes" mode. The Volcano, a central vertical up-kicker, is pivotal for progressing through the game, spotting holes (1, 6, 9), starting modes, and sometimes awarding jackpots or cheat shots. The right ramp spots holes (2, 4, 8) and relights the Volcano for subsequent mode starts. The center lane, depending on the state of the drop targets, either leads to a vertical up-kicker for a Hole-in-One (targets up) or spins the Gopher Wheel (targets down). The Slice target and Hook Shot stand-up targets offer additional scoring opportunities and can be lit for jackpots or extra balls. The playfield's artwork, a collaboration by Constantino Mitchell, David Moore, and Jeanine Mitchell, vibrantly depicts the golf course setting, complete with quirky characters and elements that complement the gopher's antics, creating an immersive and visually engaging environment. The lighting scheme guides players to active shots, highlighting objectives and adding to the game's overall aesthetic appeal.

Gameplay Dynamics

The core objective of "Tee'd Off" is to play all nine "holes" in numerical order, a progression that unlocks a sequence of major awards. Completing the first nine holes initiates a standard Multiball. Subsequent nine-hole completions trigger more advanced multiball experiences: the second nine awards "Raining Cats and Dogs," the third awards another Multiball, and the fourth unlocks "Anything Goes." After "Anything Goes," the cycle resets, providing a clear, repeatable goal for players.

Beyond this primary progression, the game features five distinct modes, activated by shooting the Volcano when lit. These modes offer varied challenges and scoring opportunities:

• Skins Game: A high-risk, high-reward mode where players can choose an immediate 10 million points or gamble for double or nothing by hitting a specific, randomly chosen shot within 20 seconds.
• Find the Gopher: Players must hit any hole within 15 seconds to earn a substantial 30 million points.
• Extra Ball: A straightforward mode where an extra ball is lit at the Slice target for 15 seconds.
• Tee'd Off: The center lane lights for an increasing point value, starting at 5 million points per shot.
• Pitch and Putt: The Mean Hole scores 10 million points per shot for 15 seconds, with the top flipper aiding in trapping the ball for easier shots.

Successfully completing all five modes within a single ball lights the "Big Score" target and prevents further mode starts. Multiball, which can be two or three balls depending on launching the first into the Mean Hole, focuses on collecting strobing jackpots that increase with captive ball hits, culminating in a 300 million Super Jackpot. "Raining Cats and Dogs," a three-ball multiball, accumulates points (25 million per jackpot shot or center lane shot) into a running total awarded at the end of the ball, while "Anything Goes" at the Mean Hole offers 50 million per shot under similar rules. "Go-Fore-Par-Tee," started by spelling "GOPHER" via the Gopher Wheel, is another three-ball multiball where the center lane or Volcano immediately awards 20 million points. A common strategy for high scores involves prioritizing any multiball mode other than the standard one, and players often find success by trapping two balls on the right flipper to repeatedly shoot the center lane.

Reception and Legacy

"Tee'd Off" by Premier Technology generally garners a mixed to positive response within the pinball community. Its strengths are frequently highlighted as its undeniable fun factor, making it a "go-to" machine for casual play and social gatherings. Many appreciate its family-friendly theme and accessible gameplay, which appeals to a broad audience, including newcomers to pinball. The unique playfield layout and satisfying shots, such as the initial "Hole-in-One" skill shot, the engaging captive ball, and the "skip ramp," are often cited as strong points that contribute to its distinctive feel. The integration of the golf theme, particularly through the animated gopher character and its callouts, is widely praised for adding humor and personality. The "Skins Game," allowing players to gamble their score, is a frequently mentioned thrill. Additionally, the machine is noted for its robust "built like a tank" construction and its value as an entertainment piece.

However, "Tee'd Off" also receives specific criticisms. The gopher's callouts and the game's soundtrack are sometimes described as repetitive, potentially becoming irritating during extended play sessions. A common point of feedback centers on the game's rule set, which some find to lack sufficient depth for long-term replayability, suggesting it can become predictable for serious enthusiasts. Unbalanced scoring, where certain shots yield disproportionately high points, is another noted weakness that can diminish competitive integrity. The dot matrix display animations are occasionally critiqued for being rudimentary, and opinions on the cabinet and playfield artwork vary, with some describing it as somewhat bland. The Gopher Wheel, while a unique feature, is sometimes perceived as not fully integrated into the strategic flow of the game, with its random outcomes occasionally leading to frustration. Despite these points of contention, "Tee'd Off" is often considered an underrated machine. Its legacy lies in its role as an approachable and enjoyable pinball experience, particularly for those seeking a lighthearted, family-oriented game. It holds a specific place in pinball history as a Gottlieb System 3 entry that successfully blended a well-known sport with characteristic pinball humor and a set of distinct, memorable features.