Student invention tees up a greener future for golf courses

Student invention tees up a greener future for golf courses

An RMIT University student is giving coffee waste a second life by transforming discarded coffee grounds into biodegradable golf tees that golfers can simply leave behind after use.

Industrial Design Honours student and Grounds for Grounds founder, Shan D’Cruz, developed One Shot Tees after identifying an opportunity to tackle two growing environmental challenges – the millions of kilograms of coffee grounds generated each year, and the waste created by conventional plastic golf tees.

Made from recycled coffee grounds and natural binders, One Shot Tees are designed to perform like a traditional golf tee before naturally breaking down and returning to the soil after use.

Currently created specifically for iron or hybrid shots, the product is built around a simple idea – one shot of coffee, for one shot of golf. The idea was formed as part of D’Cruz’s Industrial Design studies, and has since evolved into the student-led start up.  

The innovation was recognised as a finalist in the 2025 Victorian Premier’s Design Awards and has been supported by RMIT Activator following its success at the Launch Pitch Night event, where it received the People’s Choice Award.

grounds-for-grounds-golftee-1220x732pxThe idea is simple: one shot of golf for one shot of coffee.

Currently created specifically for iron or hybrid shots, the product is built around a simple idea – one shot of coffee, for one shot of golf. The idea was formed as part of D’Cruz’s Industrial Design studies, and has since evolved into the student-led start up.  

The innovation was recognised as a finalist in the 2025 Victorian Premier’s Design Awards and has been supported by RMIT Activator following its success at the Launch Pitch Night event, where it received the People’s Choice Award.

12 November 2026

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grounds-for-grounds-pitchnight-1220x732pxShan D'Cruz (right) received support through RMIT Activator.

Quotes attributable to Grounds for Grounds founder Shan D’Cruz:

"The vision of Grounds for Grounds is simple, to stop managing waste, but instead start designing it out.

"One Shot Tees were designed to fit seamlessly into the way golf is already played. Golfers simply tee off and leave them where they fall. The tees naturally break down and return to the soil, reducing waste while making course maintenance easier for clubs. 

"What began as a university project has become a startup with the potential to reshape a small but significant part of the game. It's a great example of how design can solve real-world problems through simple, practical innovation.

"I am very excited to see where this leads. It has become clear that lots of golfers and golf clubs are seeking sustainable alternatives."

 

General media enquiries: RMIT External Affairs and Media, 0439 704 077 or news@rmit.edu.au

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12 November 2026

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