Mario Caya's BirTee's were used in Happy Gilmore 2, and he has clients from all over the world. Grant Deme photo
A business owner in Perth got the Hollywood treatment when his unique golf tees were seen in Happy Gilmore 2.
Mario Caya got the idea for BirTee’s in 2005 when he placed a golf ball on an upside down badminton birdie trying to teach his three-year-old son the game, while also helping his father-in-law, who was struggling with conventional tees following a recent hip replacement.
He launched the initial design in 2008 and tweaked it over the years, most recently in 2022.
When he saw his tee used in the movie of the summer, he couldn’t believe it.
You can see the tee in the movie at the 32:15 mark of Happy Gilmore 2, which is available on Netflix.
Prior to launching BirTee, Caya was a French Immersion teacher for 31 years.
The company lost money for 12 years which led to Caya and his wife Sandra maintaining part-time jobs to support his dream.
But he believed in his product and it all changed when he took it to a golf show in Myrtle Beach, Florida in 2016.
His invention gained traction and it led to approval from the two major golf associations in the USGA and R&A, meaning golfers can use them on pro tours, including the PGA. It’s a dream of Caya’s to see a touring golfer launch a drive using his tee on television.
Now he’s got clients across North America and as far as Iceland, Tasmania, New Zealand, Europe, and Australia, including Perth.
Demand is so high Caya told myFM he could easily work more than 60 hours per week, but instead has hired extra hands to lighten the personal load.
He said one of his major clients is Full Swing Golf Simulator, which were featured in the film.
That connection is why he believes his product was used in the movie.
He told us he’s had brushes with fame before, with a future NBA hall-of-famer.
BirTee’s are also 100% locally sourced.
The tees are manufactured by L-D Tool & Die in Stittsville by Laurie Dickson, who Caya accredits with teaching him everything he knew about business.
The labels are also local, made by Impression Printing in Smiths Falls. The packaging takes place in Caya’s basement.
As simulators are his main clientele, Caya’s busy season begins in the fall and runs through the winter.
Which he said he doesn’t mind because that lets him golf all summer.
Using a BirTee, of course.
Story by Grant Deme
At the 32:15 mark of Happy Gilmore 2, you can see the golfer using a BirTee, a local invention by Perth resident Mario Caya. (Screenshot)