For most players, getting golf clubs a little dirty is just a part of the game. However, grass, dirt, and debris can decrease the performance of your golf clubs.
Therefore, itâs important to keep your equipment clean as best you can. We have made this short guide to help you do that!
Cleaning Irons and Wedges
Keeping clubs clean can reduce wear and tear. It also can drastically increase performance especially for irons and wedges. The performance of a wedge and iron rely on the grooves âgrabbingâ onto the surface of the golf ball. This is accomplished by the edges of the grooves providing friction. The grooves also act like rain gutters by shedding water and debris away from the golf face. Hence, it is advantageous to keep those grooves clean and functional.
1. To start, we recommend finding a wedge cleaning tool, kitchen brush, or even an old used toothbrush
2. Mix a bowl of warm water with a small amount of dish soap
3. Dip your brush into the bowl and scrub the grooves on your club
4. Use a sharp toothpick or tee to further clean out the grooves if needed
RUST: Rust on the heads of irons and wedges usually is not a large concern. It can even provide more friction on the face of wedges. Several companies have engineered wedges to purposely
rust over time in order to maintain performance as the grooves wear. Vinegar can be used to remove the rust if you are concerned
Cleaning Hybrids, Fairways, and Drivers
Hybrids, fairways, and drivers usually stay cleaner than your irons and wedges. It is still important to keep them clean when they get dirty. Sand, rocks, and other debris can quickly scratch and mark your golf clubs.
1. Like before grab some warm water and a soft brush or rag (DO NOT USE steel brushes as those will scratch the softer titanium finish on these clubs)
2. Dip your soft brush or rag in the water and gently scrub the face
3. Utilize Isopropyl alcohol to clean the rest of the head (Isopropyl alcohol evaporates with no residue)
4. Try to use a fresh paper towel or rag on the crown as streaks and smudges are usually very visible.
RUST: Rust on modern woods is very rare. Modern hybrids, fairways, and drivers are usually made of titanium, which does not rust.
Cleaning Grips and Shafts
Keeping your shafts and grips clean is another important aspect of taking care of your gear. Grips especially can have their lifespan significantly hindered by improper care.
1. For shafts utilize âGoo Goneâ to clean any sticker residue off
2. A paper towel soaked with goo gone or a similar clean agent quickly removes sticker and sticky residue on a shaft
3. Golf grips should be gently cleaned with water
4. IMPORTANT: be sure to dry your golf shafts as being wet can quicken the deterioration of most golf shafts (We also recommend trying to prevent them from getting wet out on the course as well).
RUST: Steel shafts can sometimes form small amounts of rust. In this case we recommend cleaning with vinegar. Small surface rust is not a major concern, but left too long it can eat away and jeopardize the integrity of a shaft.
