Just like most things in life – including golfers! – golf clubs wear out with age. Their longevity depends on several factors, from how frequently you play to whether you make repairs and which clubs you use most often. But when you’ve invested heavily in a full set or individual high-quality clubs, such as TaylorMade wedges, it makes financial sense to play a long game.
The number of adults taking to courses increased by 2.3 million in 2020 as golf became a safe and healthy hobby during pandemic times. Many of these players will be new to the game and new to golf club care in particular. Considering golf isn’t a cheap pursuit, it pays off to wise up.
Below, you can see our top tips on maintaining your golf clubs for many rounds to come.
Keep them Clean
Cleaning clubs prevents dirt and grime from setting in and affecting their performance.
The correct head cleaning method will depend on whether you have metal clubs, metal ‘woods’ or wooden woods. Metal clubs can be dipped in water for example, while the others shouldn’t. This guide to cleaning different golf clubs has a detailed breakdown.
You should also clean your club shafts and grips. The latter can be particularly prone to wear from sweat, so wipe them down with a damp cloth and rinse with warm water, then towel dry.
Travel with Care
It’s no secret that devoted golfers travel a lot, and whether transporting your clubs by car, plane or train, it’s important to do so carefully to avoid even the tiniest bumps and scrapes.
Having a sturdy, well-organised bag is vital for softening blows and keeping clubs from clashing together. You’ll want to protect the heads in particular, given they stick out of the top of most bags and cover them with head covers or even socks to prevent scratches.
Avoid Moisture
Most golf clubs contain materials that are prone to rust if left wet or even slightly damp. This means you should dry the head, shaft and grip with a towel after each use, especially if playing in rainy or dewy conditions.
Make sure to check your clubs for any remaining moisture when you arrive home. If you played in heavy rain, it’s worth letting them air out properly rather than stuffing them away in your bag. And dry your bag too!
Store them Safely
On a similar note, make sure to store your clubs away from damp or humid environments. Your loft, for example, could be a poor choice, as is the boot of your car, due to the potential heat it holds.
If you’re storing your bags long-term, it’s worth bringing them into your home in a dry and temperature-controlled space. Ideally, keep them out the way so they’re not accidentally knocked around.
Have you been following these golf club care tips, or do you need to up your game?
