How to Keep Your Golf Clubs in Top Condition

It seems silly that we are willing to pay so much money for a new set of sticks, only to neglect the upkeep of them. With progression in equipment comes inflation, and we have never paid more for the latest tech. Without the correct maintenance, we might be knocking a year or two off of the longevity of our newly acquired toys.

In addition to the cleanliness of our clubs, performance is just as – if not more – important. If your grooves are filled with excess dirt, you will fail to get the spin required to stop the ball on those tight greens. Based on the help from GolfSupport and their expert advice, we list several useful methods to keep your golf clubs clean and your performance shiny.

Golf Club Heads

Roughly, it takes three hours to traverse a golf course and, dependent on ability, we can be striking the ball anywhere between 70 to 100s of times – that’s a lot of impact with the ground. After a long day at the course, it is inevitable that golf clubs will collect dirt and debris. Fear not, however, as there are simple steps to get them looking as if they’ve just come out the box.

1. Add 2-3 teaspoons of soap or dishwater liquid to a bucket of warm water but make sure it’s big enough to ensure that the head of your club can safely soak in the water – it’s also very important to ensure the water isn’t hot, as it may have a tendency to loosen the club head from the shaft.
2. Pop your dirty club heads into the water and allow it to soak for five minutes to loosen the dirt.
3. After soaking, remove the club and use a soft-bristle brush – or an old toothbrush – to scrub any remaining dirt away. It’s vital that the grooves are fully cleansed as poor upkeep can be detrimental to performance.
4. After the cleaning process has taken place, wash off any excess dirt but please avoid getting the shaft and grips wet.
5. Finally, dry with a towel and ensure that nothing is left damp as rust can develop through this.
6. If you want to give your clubs an extra shine, gently rub steel or chrome polish in circular motions and leave for a minute before removing all remaining polish.

Golf Club Shafts

Believe it or not, but golf club shafts are also susceptible to collecting dirt. However, the process of cleaning them is simple and we implore you not to neglect them. Ideally, you should clean them after every session and the best way is to utilise a damp cloth to help clear any grime or dirt from the shaft before drying it thoroughly with a towel afterwards.

There is a remedy if your club start to show signs of rustiness, too. Vinegar comes out on top for the best multi-use disinfectant so why not try it for your golf clubs too? Simply use a little vinegar on the shaft with a cloth and gently remove any residue. As always, finish by drying sufficiently.

Golf Club Grips

The grips contain the most germs as we naturally get sweatier as the round progresses yet we still continue to grip the clubs. They are the most touched area of a golf club and therefore, require just as much upkeep.

Ideally, grips should be cleansed after every session – round or driving range – and you should use a damp cloth for the process. Simply wipe the entire grip’s surface but remember not to have the water too hot.

Golf Bags & Club Head Covers

Iron head covers might not be for everyone, but they do protect your clubs. Similarly, golf bags get dirty and this is especially true for poorer weather – providing you’re not in a buggy. To keep the equipment that keeps your toys clean, simply follow the list below.

1. Remove all contents from the bag and the clubs from their covers.
2. Lightly spray water across the surfaces – make sure the material is safe to do so.
3. Using soap and warm water, scrub the bag and covers clean with a cloth. Just as you would around the greens, a soft touch is needed so the material does not become damaged.
4. Use a hose to rinse them under clean water and then inspect for further muck.
5. Once clean, allow the bag or covers to dry overnight but avoid leaving them in the sun to dry as this could cause discolouring of your prized possessions.

Golf Clothing

Although golf apparel does not come under the same category, it needs to be addressed considering the COVID-19 pandemic. To clean dirty clothing, simply run them through a washing machine after each usage. Although unconfirmed, it is feared that coronavirus can live on clothes for up to two days. Therefore, the importance of washing and cleansing your golfing clothing has never been more important.

There you have several methods to keep your clubs as clean as possible. It is important to delegate time to the upkeep of your clubs and the benefits are invaluable. Clean clubs result in better performance, and who doesn’t want to perform well on the golf course? Above all, keep yourself and your playing partners safe and enjoy your next round with your dazzling golf clubs.

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