Golf clubs last for years, but dirty grooves, worn grips and bad storage gradually cost you performance. A few minutes of care after each round keeps them working as designed.
After every round
- Wipe the clubface after each shot with a damp towel.
- Clear the grooves with a groove brush or tee; clean grooves help produce spin, especially on wedges.
- Dry the clubs before putting them away, including the shafts.
A deeper clean
Every few weeks:
- Fill a bucket with warm water and a little mild dish soap.
- Soak iron and wedge heads only (not the ferrule, the plastic piece where the head meets the shaft) for a few minutes.
- Scrub with a soft brush, paying attention to the grooves.
- Rinse, dry thoroughly and wipe the shafts.
For drivers, woods and hybrids, use a damp cloth rather than soaking, to protect the finish and the glue in the hosel.
Grips
Wash grips with warm soapy water and a soft brush, then rinse and dry. Grips harden and become slippery with time, sweat and sun. A common guideline is to replace them about once a year or every 40 rounds, or as soon as they feel shiny or hard. A slippery grip makes you squeeze, which hurts both your swing and your forearms.
Storage
Keep clubs in a dry place at room temperature. Avoid leaving them in a hot car trunk for long periods: heat can weaken the epoxy that holds heads to shafts, and dampness causes rust. Use headcovers on woods and the putter to prevent dings.
When to see a professional
- a loose head or rattle in the shaft;
- a bent shaft or dented head;
- wedges with worn grooves (heavy users may need new wedges every season or two);
- loft and lie checks, which a club fitter can adjust on many irons.
Well-kept clubs are part of having the right equipment for your game. A good bag also protects them; see choosing a golf bag.
