Have you ever blamed your golf clubs for your poor score? We’ve all been there. You hit one chunk shot and in a fit of rage forget to wipe off your club and slam it into your bag. Or worse, break the club or fling it into a pond! Then, you use that same club on the next hole and hit another duffed shot…
The Best Way to Clean Your Golf Clubs and How to Do it Properly
Well, keeping your golf clubs clean is crucial for maintaining their performance. It could be the difference between hitting a great ball versus an OK one (or the one that makes you break a club!). Over time, dirt and grime accumulate on the grooves of your clubs, reducing their effectiveness and making those sweet, new clubs look like the dusty ones you find at a yard sale. So, how do you maintain your golf clubs and ensure you hit more “clean” shots? Let’s dive into the necessary steps for cleaning your golf clubs.
Tools and Supplies Needed for Cleaning Golf Clubs
You will want to ensure you have these items handy when cleaning your clubs.
- Bucket or bowl
- Water
- Soap or specialized golf club groove cleaner
- Towel or cloth
- Soft-bristle OR golf club brush
- Optional: fine-grade steel wool
It's important to note that the type of club you are cleaning will determine the best cleaning method. For example, cleaning a driver or a putter will require a different approach than cleaning an iron. It is best to use a dampened cloth or towel to clean a driver or putter, whereas irons can be dipped into a bucket of water (for up to 5 minutes) before being thoroughly cleaned.
Next, let’s dive into the general steps that can be applied to all types of golf clubs.
Steps to Cleaning Your Golf Clubs
The first step in cleaning your clubs is to remove any loose debris. This can be done by gently wiping the club heads with a towel or soft brush. This will remove any dirt or grass that may be clinging to the club.
Next, use a small amount of soap (up to 3 squirts of a bottle) and warm water, and gently scrub the club heads with a towel you’ve just dipped into that bucket of soapy water. Be sure to pay special attention to any grooves or crevices on the club. Rinse the club heads thoroughly with clean water, and dry them with a towel.
Now, this is where a golf club brush (or soft-bristle brush) comes in. A golf brush is a great tool to use when cleaning golf clubs, especially when it comes to removing dirt and grime from the grooves of the club. The stiff bristles of the brush are able to get into these tight spaces and effectively remove any dirt or debris that may be lodged there.
When using a brush, be sure to use a light touch and apply gentle pressure. You don't want to damage the grooves or the clubhead. It's also important to use a brush that is specifically designed for cleaning golf clubs, as regular wire brushes may be too stiff and can cause damage to the club. If you have older clubs that show any sign of rust or degrade, we recommend using fine-grade steel wool. But, be cautious of this method as most households will have coarse-grade wool and this can damage the club too.
Once you've finished cleaning the clubheads with your brush, rinse them again with clean water and dry them thoroughly. You may also want to use a small amount of clubhead cleaner, which is specially formulated for your golf clubs.
After cleaning the club heads, it's also a good idea to clean the shafts of your clubs. This can be done by wiping them down with a clean, damp cloth.
Maintenance Tips for Keeping Golf Clubs in the Best Condition
Finally, make it a practice to clean your clubs once every few rounds and before you store your clubs away in your bag. It's important to store your golf clubs properly. This means keeping your clubs in an organized golf bag and in a dry, climate-controlled area. This will help to protect them from damage and ensure that they remain in good condition for years to come. By following these tips, you can ensure that your golf clubs will always be in top condition and ready to help you hit the ball the way you want! And don’t forget to check out our training equipment and accessories to improve your golf game!
