Looking After Your Golf Equipment
Protect your investment. Perform at your best.
Golf clubs aren’t cheap — whether you’ve been professionally fitted or picked up a quality second-hand set, they represent a significant investment. With the right care, your equipment can last for years and perform just as it should, round after round.
Proper maintenance applies to every club in your bag — from your driver and woods to your hybrids, irons, wedges and putter. Dirt, moisture and general wear can all impact performance, so regular cleaning is essential to keep your clubs in top condition.
How to Clean Your Clubs
Cleaning your clubs regularly isn’t just about keeping them looking good — it’s about preserving control, feel and spin. While all clubs benefit from a clean, the grooves on your irons and wedges are particularly important. These grooves help generate spin and give you greater control on approach shots. When they’re filled with dirt or grass, performance suffers.
What you’ll need:
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Lukewarm water
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A soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works well)
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Towels
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Mild soap (optional)
Steps to clean your clubs:
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Dip the clubheads in a bucket of lukewarm water. Avoid submerging the shaft or ferrule.
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Scrub the clubface and sole thoroughly with the brush. Focus on clearing out any dirt from the grooves on your irons and wedges.
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Wipe off any remaining debris with a towel.
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Rinse if needed, then dry each club immediately with a clean towel.
Note: Avoid soaking woods or your putter. A damp cloth and quick wipe down is all they need to protect their finish.
Don’t Forget the Grips
Grips often get overlooked, but they’re essential to club performance. Over time, they can accumulate sweat, sunscreen and grime, which makes them feel slick. Regular cleaning restores tackiness and ensures a consistent hold, especially in warm or humid conditions.
How to clean your grips:
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Wet a towel with warm, soapy water.
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Wipe down each grip thoroughly.
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Dry with a clean towel.
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Allow the grip to air dry completely before putting the club back in your bag.
Grips should generally be replaced every 18–24 months, but consistent cleaning will extend their lifespan.
After Playing in Wet Weather
If you’ve played in the rain or in damp conditions, moisture can quickly become your equipment’s worst enemy. Leaving clubs wet in your golf bag can lead to rust and long-term damage. Taking a few moments after your round can make a big difference.
What to do after a wet round:
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Remove all clubs from your bag.
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Wipe them down with a dry towel, including the shafts and grips.
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Let them air dry for a few hours before returning them to the bag.
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Take out wet gear like gloves and towels to help the bag dry as well.
Tip: Avoid storing your clubs in the boot of your car overnight. The heat and trapped moisture can damage grips and shafts over time.
Extra Tips for Long-Term Care
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Use headcovers on your driver, fairway woods and putter to protect from damage.
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Occasionally inspect graphite shafts for cracks or signs of wear.
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Organise your bag properly to minimise clubs clanging together during a round or in transit.
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Clean your clubs after every round to build a good habit and avoid build-up.