Look after your clubs, and they’ll look after you! Whether you’re on or off the course, there are easy, low-hassle maintenance checks you can do to ensure your clubs are always in tip-top condition.
Good maintenance means you’ll prolong the life of your clubs while also doing your bit for the planet by keeping them out of landfill for as long as possible. And if you keep your clubs in excellent condition then they’ll hold their resale value when you’re ready to upgrade, too.
Read on to find out how to take the best care of your clubs so they serve you for many years to come.
1. Store your clubs properly
Your clubs won’t enjoy being kept in an environment that’s either too hot or too cold. It’s common for golfers to leave their golf clubs in the boot of their car, but this can lead to the loosening of glue and before you know it you’ll find that the grip and clubhead are coming loose.
You should also make sure that your clubs are completely dry before you put them away, otherwise you’ll find that the shaft will start to rust. You can use a golf towel (or any towel, really!) to dry them off before putting them away. It won’t take long and it’s probably one of the most important things to do to ensure you optimise the life of your clubs. Carry a towel with you on the course (you can tie it to your golf bag) so that you’re able to wipe clubs down before and after shots, too. This is especially useful if debris such as cut grass is sticking to the club face.
2. Always use head covers on woods
The heads of your woods (such as drivers and fairways) can be easily damaged when they're in transit, often bashing against each other while in motion. Even pulling your clubs out and putting them back into the bag can cause slight damage, and over time this will become noticeable - eventually affecting the club’s performance.
Headcovers are a must for all of your woods - they’ll provide a much-needed layer of protection for your most delicate clubs and absorb the impact of any crashes and bangs. Irons don’t tend to need headcovers, but most golfers like to use a headcover on their putters.
3. Clean the clubs between rounds
Getting into the habit of cleaning your clubs down after every few rounds played is a very good idea. You can use a soft-bristled brush with warm water and soap to clear the dirt and debris from the grooves of the clubhead, and dry them off with a towel. It is possible to buy dedicated golf club brushes, but any soft-bristled brush (such as a toothbrush) will do the job just as well. Start by soaking them in a bucket of warm water for five minutes or so - you’ll find that this makes it easier to remove any accumulated grime. Always make sure the clubs are bone dry before putting them back in your golf bag.
The grips are also an important area to pay attention to - this is the area of the club that has the most exposure to sunscreen, sweat and dirt. Of course, you can replace the grips when the time comes, but by cleaning them down between rounds you’ll help prolong their lifespan. Check the grips over for signs of wear and tear - often they can start to develop a slight split that will eventually crack. Simply wipe them down with a damp cloth to bring them back to their best, or use a soft-bristle brush and warm water (not too hot) if the dirt is firmly stuck to the grip.
4. Carry out a regular inspection of your clubs
Make sure that you regularly appraise the condition of your golf clubs to check they’re always in good condition for your next game. Check over the clubhead for signs of damage, and check the shaft for dents, splits and nicks (of course, the shaft can be replaced if needed, but keeping them in good condition will help them last).
5. Remove any rust regularly
Despite your best efforts, rust can start to build up on clubs. It’s relatively easy to remove low-grade rust from your clubs by using vinegar. WD-40 can sometimes be used on irons (not drivers or fairway woods), but avoid this if you have specialist finishes on your clubs as it will strip it off). Simply add your vinegar/WD-40 to a cloth and gently rub on the rust spot, before removing any residue. The trick here is to go slowly, because if you rub too hard you’ll risk damaging the club further.
Optional extras
Some players like to polish their clubs for that extra gleam on the golf course, and this can be done using chrome or steel polish. It’s not essential, but it certainly gets them noticed! Make sure you remove all the excess polish when you’re done. You can also use toothpaste to remove minor paint scratches. We’ve heard of golfers using power washers to clean their clubs, and we certainly don’t recommend this - you’ll risk damaging your clubs.
Looking after your clubs is easy, especially if you take the time to do it regularly. You’ll find that the better condition your clubs are in, the longer they will last you - and they should also hold their value when the time comes to sell them on, too. Get in touch if you have any questions about the maintenance of your golf clubs - we’ll be delighted to help.
