How much did you pay for your set of golf clubs? Regardless if you bought a brand new set off the rack or found a used set online, your clubs were a significant investment. How do you treat your clubs?
With proper maintenance and cleaning you can use your clubs for years. If you do decide to upgrade, the resale value will be directly impacted by how well you took care of them. Treat them like an investment.
If you’re not sure of the best way to clean golf clubs, we can help. We have put together a complete guide on how to clean golf clubs. We want you to enjoy them for years and if you do decide to sell them, get as much money back as possible.
Materials You Need To Clean Golf Clubs
You probably already own all of the materials you will need to properly clean your golf clubs. The perfect location for cleaning is a deck or porch. Get some sun, enjoy a cold beverage, and make those clubs sparkle.
You’ll need a small bucket of lukewarm water. You don’t need to buy any special golf club cleaner - simply squirt a little dishwashing liquid detergent in your water. You will need a towel or two and some type of brush.
The brush is the most important item. You can use an old toothbrush or you can buy a golf brush specifically designed to do this job. Frogger makes a great brush or you can go for a high-tech rechargeable brush. If you are interested in the rechargeable version check out gift #58 on this list of 102 gifts for golfers.
Now you have everything you need. Time to learn how to clean golf clubs.
How To Clean Your Golf Irons
When learning how to clean golf clubs, you can’t forget to clean the irons. Your irons cannot perform as designed when they are dirty. The grooves on the face of your irons help spin the ball and allow it to land softly on the green. If you have dirt in your grooves, your iron shots will release over the green. Keeping you irons clean will help you make more birdies!
Here is the best way to clean your golf irons in 6 quick steps:
- Dip the iron in your lukewarm water
- Scrub the entire head and face with your brush - pay special attention to the grooves
- Use your towel to wipe off all dirt and debris
- Dip the iron back in your water
- Dry off using your towel
- Repeat 1-5 if you still see dirt in your grooves
Don’t immediately put it back in your bag. Set it to the side until you finish the entire set. This allows the club to air dry more.
Pro Tip: pay attention to the grooves of your irons when you are playing on the course. Ideally, give them a quick wipe down after every shot to ensure consistent performance.
How To Clean Your Golf Woods
Does anyone out there still play with wooden golf woods? Regardless of if you are learning how to clean golf clubs made of metal or wood, the below steps can be followed. When we talk about woods, we are referring to drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids. Since you are hitting it off a tee, your driver shouldn’t really collect too much dirt, but it doesn’t hurt to clean it. The grooves on your woods are not as deep as your irons, so they don’t collect as much dirt and debris. You still want to keep them clean. Dirt or debris on your golf woods are likely to make the ball curve more and we bet you don’t want a larger slice or hook.
Here is the best way to clean your golf woods in 4 steps:
- Dip your wood in your water
- Give the entire head a quick cleaning with your brush
- Dip the wood back in the water
- Wipe the entire head dry using your towel
Pro Tip: Don’t immediately place your headcover on the club after cleaning. A little moisture can get trapped and can cause a bad odor or even mildew.
How To Clean Your Shafts And Your Grips
When cleaning your clubs, it is easy to forget about the shafts and the grips, but they are just as important to the long-term performance of your clubs.
The best way to clean your golf shafts is quite simple. Get a small towel slightly moist and wipe them down. Use your other towel to dry them off. If you notice some rust or dirt, you can use your golf club cleaner mixture (lukewarm water & liquid detergent) and your brush.
Did you know that many people replace grips when all they really need to do is clean them? A dirty grip will feel slick, but cleaning can bring back the tackiness.
Here’s the best way to clean your golf grips in 4 steps:
- Dip a small towel in your golf club cleaner mixture
- Rub down the grip with the wet towel
- Dry the grip with your other towel
- Set aside outside of your bag and allow the grip to air dry
Pro Tip: Always wash your grips a couple times before you pay to get your clubs regripped - cleaning them may “bring them back to life” and help you avoid an expense.
Additional Ways To Keep Your Clubs Performing Well
Now that you know how to clean golf clubs, your gear will be performing well for longer. However, there are still some additional actions you should take as well.
1. Don’t Let A Rainy Day Destroy Your Clubs
If you are an avid golfer you have probably played in the rain. It happens. Your clubs are engineered to work in all weather conditions, but they are not built to sit in a golf bag for hours after your round. If you get caught in the elements, take the following steps at the end of your round.
- Remove your clubs from your bag
- Wipe them down with a towel and leave them out of your bag for a couple hours
- Remove your golf essentials to help your bag dry (gloves, towels, etc.)
2. Keep That Head Cover On Your Most Expensive Club
A new driver can cost $400 or more - you need to protect this investment. During your round, make sure you put your head cover on it following every shot. The head probably won’t get damaged, but the shaft can be worn down by rubbing on the top of your bag.
3. Replacing Grips Is Much Cheaper Than New Irons
If you play a lot of golf, your grips will get worn down quicker than the heads on your irons. You can regrip a club for ~$15. If the only thing wrong with your clubs is slick grips, save some money and just address the part (the grip) that needs to be fixed. You wouldn’t buy a new car because the windshield wipers are old.
How To Clean Your Golf Clubs: Infographic
Keep Your Golf Clubs Clean
Hopefully now you are familiar with how to clean golf clubs. Keeping your golf clubs is not a hard process. If you are meticulous it may take you 30 to 45 minutes, but it can add years to the life of your clubs.
How often should you clean your clubs? It really depends on the conditions you play in. Anytime you play on a rainy day or a muddy golf course it makes sense to clean them. The good news is that the best way to clean golf clubs doesn’t require you to buy any specialized tools. Soap, water, towels, and a brush is all you need.
Can you remember the last time you cleaned your clubs? If the answer is “no,” head out to your garage and check your bag. If they’re a bit dirty, there’s no time like the present to clean your favorite toys. While you're at it you can clean your golf bag as well. Get them ready for your next round, and play well!
