How To Care For Your Golf Clubs

Golf clubs are no small investment. Most golfers don’t replace their whole set every season because we like the way they feel, they fit us just right, and we have played a lot of good golf with our trusted equipment. So how do we set out to protect that investment? What is the best way to care for your golf clubs and maintain their performance year over year? This guide will cover some of the most important topics when it comes to caring for your golf clubs.

How often should I clean my golf clubs?

Ideally, you should clean your golf clubs after every round. This keeps them looking their best for longer and it does make a difference in performance. Making sure your clubs are free of dirt and debris allows the face to interact with the ball the way they are supposed to, giving you optimal launch and spin on every shot. Taking the time to wipe your golf clubs clean after every round with a damp towel is a great way to ensure your set looks and plays great.

What cleaning products should I use?

A bucket of warm water and mild dish soap will do the trick. For your irons, let them soak 5-10 minutes, depending on just how dirty they are. You only want to submerge the club head though; if you submerge the hosel you risk ruining the ferrule. Scrub the grooves with a soft-bristle brush, a toothbrush or kitchen brush is fine. Anything with soft, plastic bristles works well but never use wire bristles.

Why should I make sure my grooves are clean?

You want the grooves on your golf clubs to be clean so they perform the way they are supposed to. Think of the grooves like the tread on a tire. Clean grooves help channel liquid and debris away from the club face for clean contact. The grooves also grip the ball on contact, giving your shots the proper spin. Dirty or clogged grooves don’t provide the “bite” you need to produce the optimal flight and spin, especially in your short game and  you need more spin to hold the green.

How should I store my golf clubs?

You can store your golf clubs as-is in your golf bag. Wipe them down and make sure they are clean and dry. Storing your golf clubs while still a little damp, combined with humidity, can cause rusting. You always want to pick a dry location to keep your golf clubs. On a day-to-day basis, your garage is fine. For long-term storage, somewhere temperature controlled is ideal. If you’re putting your clubs away for the winter or an extended break from the course, go ahead and bring your bag inside.

Will temperature affect my clubs in the garage or car trunk?

Extreme temperatures can be harmful to your golf clubs. We recommend never leaving your clubs in the trunk of your car outside of transporting them to and from the course. On hot, sunny days, it can reach nearly 200°F in the trunk of your car. That is hot enough to break down the epoxy that joins the club head to the shaft and the glue under the grips. In cold temperatures, the grips can become slick and even crack if it gets cold enough. In extreme temperatures, always store your clubs in a dry, temperature-controlled environment.

Other golf club protection options

Outside of regular cleaning and proper storage, there are a few extra steps you can take to maintain your golf clubs. Make sure you have proper golf club covers to prevent damage while playing from your clubs contacting each other. Almost all golf bags come with a rain hood that you will want to use not only to cover the tops of your clubs and bag but to prevent moisture from getting down into the bag and damaging the grips. If you travel for golf, get a golf travel bag to protect your clubs and bag from the rigors of air travel. 

With proper maintenance, storage, and protection, your golf clubs will serve you well for many seasons ahead. When you take care of your investment, it will take care of you out on the golf course. If you need a bag for storage, club covers, or new clubs to take care of, be sure to visit TGW.com for all your golfing needs. With a great selection, great price, and great experience, when you buy golf clubs online at TGW you always win.